Claire Frigo

With a phenomenal mind, strong will, and ready heart, Claire Frigo lived a life rich in creative exploration and expression. Claire experienced everything deeply, in many ways, more deeply than most. She naturally saw the depths of nature and humanity, always seeking truth, beauty, kindness, and compassion. As she sought authentic expressions of her own truths, Claire passionately encouraged others to forge their own authentic paths. Whether walking in the woods, creating art, writing and playing music, or taking pictures, Claire searched for and celebrated beauty, even in the face of loneliness, disappointment, and confusion. Though our days with her were far too few, Claire will long be remembered and so very missed.

Larry and Karen (Wade) Frigo welcomed their daughter Claire to their lives on August 15, 1991.

First-time parents who were excited but nervous during a difficult pregnancy that required bed rest and induced labor, Larry and Karen couldn't help but notice how ready Claire was to meet the world. She arrived with her eyes open and fully taking in everything. Giving her a simple and beautiful name, Claire didn't particularly care for it when she was young but came to be proud of it as she grew older.

Just as she entered the world, Claire was ready and eager for what the world had to offer. As a baby, she insisted on being carried facing people and was already walking by ten months. Insatiably curious, she didn't like to nap as a toddler and was always on the go. At the playground, she was a daredevil. She rarely played on the equipment as it was intended to be used. Instead, she made up her own unique ways to use it, much to the aghast of other parents who thought her stunts were dangerous.

Claire was a gifted athlete and accomplished soccer player, playing for the Portage Lightning Soccer Club and Kalamazoo Kingdom Reserve Soccer Club. She also enjoyed playing volleyball for West Middle School and the Looga Travel team. As an animal lover she had an affection for dogs. Growing up she had a dog named Grace and currently she and her boyfriend, Brandon, had a dog named Jackson.

Claire attended Portage Public Schools: Amberly Elementary, West Middle, and Portage Community High School. Though she left school before graduating, she later earned her GED. Claire’s insatiable curiosity continued throughout her life and she met every challenge head-on. She had an incredible thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. There wasn’t much she couldn’t accomplish when she put her mind to it. A talented artist, Claire applied her gifts in many mediums, including music, painting, textiles, calligraphy and photography. Often, art proved the best way for Claire to communicate and commune. Where cultural expectations and norms often failed her, art was always a place of inclusion and comfort, a place where Claire felt welcome and most at home and fully express her joy.

Over the years, she taught herself to play piano and guitar, and often performed at open mic nights. She made gorgeous wire-wrapped jewelry and wrote music and poetry, often finding inspiration in the natural world. Whether spicy hot Mexican food, hiking the Al Sabo Nature Preserve, time at the beach at South Haven, hunting for crystals and stones, or learning Eastern philosophy, Claire experienced the world with all her of being.

Claire had an eclectic taste in music, and a favorite song that seems fitting at this time is Hands, by Jewel. The song's theme and Claire's were much the same, "In the end, only kindness matters." As we face life in the absence of Claire's unique beauty and passion, may we find comfort in our treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the rest of the song, that reflects so many of Claire's personal truths:

"If I could tell the world just one thing

It would be that we're all ok

And not to worry because worry is wasteful

And useless in times like these

I will not be made useless

I won't be idled with despair

I will gather myself around my faith

For light does the darkness most fear

My hands are small, I know,

But they're not yours they are my own

But they're not yours they are my own

And I am never broken

Poverty stole your golden shoes

But it didn't steal your laughter

And heartache came to visit me

But I knew it wasn't ever after

We will fight, not out of spite

For someone must stand up for what's right

Cause where there's a man who has no voice

There ours shall go singing

My hands are small, I know,

But they're not yours they are my own

But they're not yours they are my own

And I am never broken

In the end only kindness matters

In the end only kindness matters

I will get down on my knees and I will pray

I will get down on my knees and I will pray

I will get down on my knees and I will pray

My hands are small, I know,

But they're not yours they are my own

But they're not yours they are my own

And I am never broken

My hands are small, I know,

But they're not yours they are my own

But they're not yours they are my own

And I am never broken

We are never broken

We are God's eyes God's hands God's mind

We are God's eyes God's hands God's heart

We are God's eyes God's hands God's eyes God's hands

We are God's hands God's hands We are God's hands"

Claire Elizabeth Frigo died on Friday, November 3, 2023, with her family by her side following a tragic accident, making the ultimate sacrifice by donating to Gift of Life. Members of her family include her parents, Larry Frigo and Karen Wade; and brother, Grant and her companion, Brandon Wine, Aunt Cam Frigo, Uncle & Aunt Kevin & Kim Wade. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Al and Alice Frigo, Ron and Dorothy Wade; and Uncle, George Frigo. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Monday, November 13th from 5-8 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, November 14th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1628 East G Ave., Parchment. She will be buried next to her grandparents at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, IL. Visit Claire's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.