Claire Leader Goss (Mrs. George A. Goss Jr.) passed away peacefully on Nov. 2 at her home in Middlebury, Conn.
Claire was born in New Haven on Oct. 17, 1927, the daughter of the late Edwin O. Leader and Helene (Gilbert) Leader. She attended Hamden Hall and the University of Connecticut, where she was class president and studied theater and English literature. She enjoyed Shakespeare and was known for reciting long sections of his plays.
Her father, Ed Leader, had coached Yale's Olympic-winning crew of 1924, and her future husband George Goss rowed for him before serving in World War II.
On a visit to the Leader residence on Norton Parkway after the war, George fell in love with Claire. They married in 1948. Claire helped her mother-in-law, Estelle Farrel Goss, keep up her estate known as 'Topsfield' and named her own house, a large converted garage, 'TopsyLane.'
After 34 years of marriage her husband deceased in 1982, and her mother-in-law soon passed as well.
In the late 1960s Claire co-chaired fundraising with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alfonso Della Pietra for the Waterbury Easter Seals, enabling construction of a modern facility. For the cause, she performed memorably in musicals such as 'Oklahoma!' and 'Brigadoon.'
She belonged to the Junior League and served on the boards of the Waterbury YWCA and the Riverside Cemetery Association. Claire enjoyed going to the theater with her beloved mother and sister.
She loved dancing and was an avid swimmer, skier and ice skater. She played tennis, platform tennis and golf as a member of the HighfieldClub, the Hillsboro Club, the Madison Beach Club and the Madison Golf Club.
Ever youthful, she played field hockey for a team of ladies known as the Marvelous Moms. She was a tireless homemaker for her family and brought vivaciousness and style to her social gatherings.
Her memory will be cherished by her sons, George A. Goss III of Guilford and his wife, Maureen, Edwin L. Goss of Park City, Dirck W. Goss of Guilford and his wife, Elizabeth; and by her daughter, Helene F. Goss of Seattle, and her husband Rick.
Her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, are George A. Goss IV of New York City, Cameron W. and Alexander E. Goss of Guilford and EliGoss-Hill of Seattle.
Claire was predeceased by her sister Edene Leader.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Easter Seals, 22 Tompkins St., Waterbury, CT 06708, Attn: Development Office.

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Middlebury Congregational Church

Services: A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 at Middlebury Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Middlebury.

Visitation: There are no calling hours