Claire Gormley Collier
Obituary Editor, posted on May 5, 2009

Claire Gormley Collier, 46, of Stamford, ended a courageous battle fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Born September 9, 1962, in New Rochelle, Claire was raised in Larchmont, NY by her surviving parents Dr. Eugene Gormley and Mary Gormley.

Claire’s loving spirit lives on with her devoted husband Bill and children Kieran, Bridget and Leah. Additionally, Claire’s family includes eight siblings - Mary Lou Warren, Fr. Eugene Gormley, LC, Anne Daly, Fr. Stephen Gormley, LC, Greg Gormley, Kate Gutekunst, Phil Gormley, Lorraine Lunapiena; eleven nieces, eleven nephews, seven sisters-in-law, and seven bothers-in-law.

A graduate of The School of the Holy Child and Rosemont College, Claire majored in art. Pencil drawing of her three children brought Claire great joy. Claire’s professional career included Drexel Burnham and The “21″ Club.

Once diagnosed with ALS, Claire began a crusade for raising ALS awareness and fundraising for ALS research through her Friends of Claire Foundation. Claire’s efforts focused on changing the discriminatory “20/40″ rule, which Claire challenged up to the United States Supreme Court. Lobbying efforts led to the introduction of the Claire Collier Fairness Act, which is still pending in Congress. Claire’s efforts were recognized by the Allyson Rioux Memorial Fund, the MDA Wings Over Wall Street Spirit Award, and the ALS Association CT Chapter David Grimshaw Beacon of Light Award. Claire is most proud of her three children and their collective growth through this ALS journey. Claire is truly appreciative for all the love and support bestowed upon her and her family. Claire and her family are especially thankful to the nurses who have cared so lovingly for Claire.

Her family will receive friends at the Stamford Sheraton International Ballroom, Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 4 pm-8 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 10 am at St. Leo’s R.C. Church, 24 Roxbury Rd, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Long Ridge Union Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Friends of Claire, c/o MAC Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Greenwich, CT 06836.