Claire C. Danielson

Claire Catherine Danielson, 31, of Conrad, passed away on March 12, 2020, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls after a short illness.

Claire was born on September 12, 1988 in Great Falls to Kathleen Sharon Danielson of Shelby and Brent Hudson Barnes of Cut Bank.

Claire lived her early years in Walla Walla, Washington, mostly with her mom and little brother, but there were also cousins and friends to play with there. An always-willing co-pilot, there were many adventures - mostly the three amigos Kathy, Claire and Eric. It was during this time that she formed such a close bond with her little brother, who she remained close to all her life. She always protected her brother, vulnerable due to his handicaps, and forgot to protect herself from the world. Ty Wilson entered Claire’s life when she was eight and took on that role of protector for both her and her brother - he was and is, happily their dad. The family moved from Walla Walla to Oilmont, MT.  Home to Kathy and Claire, they formed many friendships there and while going to grade school in Sunburst. Two more moves would ensue in the following years - first to Shelby and then finally Conrad, where she graduated from high school in 2008. The ever-friendly Claire made lasting friendships all across the Golden Triangle, including reconnecting with relatives in Cut Bank. There are few communities in North Central Montana where she was not known. Claire was proudly Montanan, but had fond memories of her life in Walla Walla, too. Claire worked for many years as a C.N.A. in both Conrad and Shelby and formed many lasting relationships during that time. She worked for a short time at Town Pump in Conrad and enjoyed seeing and visiting with the wide variety of people she saw there. A great lover of animals, Claire had two rescues; her dog, Echo and cat, Mary, and one of Claire’s favorite pastimes was exploring the country roads with her own co-pilot, Echo. Her beloved pets will continue to enjoy a life of leisure at the family home with Ty, Kathy and Eric. Claire was planning to pursue a career as a vet tech, prior to her unexpected passing. Well known for her beautiful eyes, Claire’s corneas were donated, to give the gift of sight to another.

Claire was preceded in death by her father, Brent Barnes; and grandparents, Herb and Sheila (Galbreath) Barnes; maternal grandfather, Lloyd Danielson; and uncle, George Danielson. She is survived by her mother, Kathleen (Kathy) Danielson; her dad, Ty Wilson; and brother, Eric Danielson, all of Conrad. Also surviving Claire are grandparents, Mary Patricia “Patty” Danielson of Shelby, Dorothy Wilson and LeRoy Wilson of Walla Walla; and stepmother, Margie Barnes of Missoula. Claire had many aunts and uncles: Ted and Roberta (Clampitt) Danielson of Bellefouche, SD; Donald and Gail (Johnson) Danielson of Walla Walla, WA; Mary (Danielson) and Myron Frydenlund of Shelby; Laurie (George) Simonson of Missoula; Jonnelle (Wilson) and Paul Langert, and Erin Coffey of Walla Walla; Craig (Kimberly) and Mark Barnes of Missouri. Claire has also left behind many step-siblings, cousins, and a host of long-time, devoted friends who loved her.

A celebration of life service will be held at a date yet to be determined. An announcement will be made at that time.