Claire Lajoie

Claire M. Lajoie

She shone like the sun

Claire was a leader, even early on. When she was just a toddler, she earned the nickname “bossy lady” from her Memere; she knew what she wanted and had the charisma and wit to persuade just about anyone to follow. One Halloween, Claire rounded up a group of kids to build a haunted house in the woods. Soon kids were cutting tree limbs, raking and moving brush, and decorating the woods. Parents found themselves stringing cables for ghosts and building cages and coffins. Even Claire’s Grammy was sewing costumes in preparation. Muriel, Claire’s mother, thought that 30 kids might show up to admire Claire’s handiwork. But when the day came, 200 kids and parents flocked to the haunted house. Muriel learned Claire had been publicizing the event at school, turning what might have been a sweet memory for some friends into an event for the entire community.

Claire’s early pluck, grit, and individuality were clear in all she did. Her love of fashion went beyond chic seasonal outfits. Claire avoided the trendy stuff and instead was seen wrapped in leaves for the first day of autumn or rocking plastic eggs and grass as accessories on Easter. Claire loved to dance. She had a natural rhythm and would try to teach her mom and sister Rachel the moves that came so easily to her, from the macarena to cotton eyed joe, to the cupid shuffle.

Later, in high school, Claire began to ice skate. She loved the sensation of gliding over the ice and began mentoring younger girls at the rink. Skating combined two of Claire’s passions: fashion and dance. On the ice she could embrace the costumes, sparkles, and flair she loved while dancing on skates.

Claire was a wildly intuitive friend. She knew when others were having a hard time and would do everything she could to support her friends. Dance parties were hosted at Claire’s for the friends she knew felt low.

Claire struggled with deep-seated darkness and pain that started young. She fought those feelings through her inventive artistry, pastels, costumes and skating. Imagination and expression flowed naturally from her and she found a kinship in Lady Gaga’s music and style. But that darkness was inside too, and Claire needed relief. Before her dreams for the future had fully formed, she wanted to feel outside of her skin, to escape from the pain she carried.

Rachel, Claire’s big sister, frequently challenged Claire, urging her to fight harder. Muriel remembers a significant talk between the sisters in the year before Claire’s passing. Rachel pleaded with Claire, expressing her fury and pain at the thought of Claire leaving them. It seemed to work. Claire was substance free, and the sisters spent the next four months riding in Rachel’s car, singing country music, picking apples, and moving Claire into her new apartment. Despite this progress, it suddenly all unraveled, and Claire was gone.

Claire’s powerful spirit continues to inspire countless people. Her sponsor, Collen wrote: “Every person I help has her presence attached to it. My drive to help others is directly related to my relationship with Claire.” Her friend and roommate Hannah credits Claire as “the person who showed me how to really enjoy life sober.” Muriel and Rachel carry Claire’s memory and hope that is always remembered for the kind, caring soul she was.

Claire’s mother, Muriel Lajoie, provided the information for this narrative
September 12, 1997-September 13, 2019-Age 22

Portrait Artist: Cecil Norris
Narrative Writer: Livia Cohen

Share this story from The INTO LIGHT Project

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

More Into Light Stories

Read more biographies from this exhibit.
Devin Hart Bearden

Devin Hart Bearden

Caring, athletic, bright, witty, attractive At 6’2”, Devin was lanky, handsome, and a natural athlete. Equally at home on a skateboard, snowboard, or when surfing, he was a pleasure to watch; so fluid and graceful. He was a good soccer and baseball player and loved hiking in nature or being at the beach, especially on the annual family beach trips to Hatteras in North Carolina.
Read More »
Kory Baker Ambler 

Kory Baker Ambler 

He embodied love for all Kory “danced to the beat of his own drum and never let the world dim his shine,” his finance and mother of his children, Jodi said. One hundred percent comfortable in his own skin, Jodi referred to him as her “big, strong, handsome man,” who welcomed the ostracized, made everyone laugh to tears, and loved his family beyond measure.
Read More »

Jose Angel Arroyo Castillo

Ended too soon When asked for words to define Jose, his mother, Wanda, and his significant other, Chelsea said; funny, energetic, loving, outgoing, caring, and empathic. Jose’s energetic and outgoing personality drew people to him, and his empathetic nature made him a beloved partner, father, son, and friend.
Read More »
Chloe Anne Bean

Chloe Anne Bean

Create your own sunshine Chloe (or Bean/Beanie) was a beacon of warmth to all around her—an embodiment of outpouring love. She had a funny little habit she would invoke upon her loved ones: thrusting her chin into their faces and demanding a kiss, repeating the phrase between giggles, “Kiss the chin, go ahead! Kiss it!” until the second party complied.
Read More »

Bring an Exhibit to Your State