Claire Marie Doyle McDermott
March 31, 1923 - August 20, 2010
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Cremation Society of Virginia - Hampton Roads Office
5265 Providence Road, Suite 104
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
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Bayside Presbyterian Church
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Virginia Beach, VA
Friday 8/27

Claire Marie McDermott – Virginia Beach Claire Marie Doyle McDermott, age 87, died on Friday, August 20th. After several years of unrelenting physical pain and paralysis, she is at peace. Claire was born in Norfolk VA on March 31, 1923, the only surviving child of James F. Doyle and Florence Law Doyle. A child musical…

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RAY COLESON left a message on August 25, 2010:
MS MAC WAS A VERY SWEET AND CARING TEACHER. I HAD HER IN 1974-1976 AND LOVED HER VERY MUCH. MY MOTHER HAD HER AS A TEACHER IN THE 40,S SHE WILL BE MMISSED BY MANY PEOPLE WHO KNEW HER. RAY76 JOYCE FLOWERS COOK 1949
Michael F. Morris left a message on August 31, 2011:
I heard about Mrs. Mac's passing while evacuated at the Norview High School shelter during Hurricane Irene. The current principal, Mrs. Staley, informed me as I was asking about instructors I had while attending Norview. I had Mrs. Mac as a teacher and choral director during my time at Norview. I was in the Concert Chorus and the Madrigals. During my time in her classes and choruses, I found there was more to music than just singing the melody line. Those lessons I learned way back in 1973-1974 are still with me to this day as I sing with the choir at St. Pius X Catholic Church. To Mrs. Mac's family, my sincere condolences on her passing. I'm sure that when my time comes, I will see her again as well as my own family. I would not be surprised that she is directing Heaven's choir of possibly over a million voices. Peace to all
Brenda Bodnar left a message on September 4, 2010:
I am a music teacher today because of her mentoring, loving and caring skills. She will forever be in my heart as the person who showed me the beauty of music. She will forever be the teacher that taught me techniques, articulation and vocal skills that I still teach to my students today. She was a wonderful lady!
Cora Beth Hillman Haynie left a message on August 30, 2010:
I'm so saddened to hear of Miss Mac's passing. In 1956 until graduation, she was a teacher in so many ways and a person I grew to love and admire. In fact, she was somewhat of an idol, I always wanted to be just like Miss Mac when I grew up. What a "lady". I stayed in touch even after her stroke when she had to communicate on the phone through a nurse. I'll miss her but know she is now directing one of the heavenly choirs. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
SandiThompson left a message on August 30, 2010:
Words cannot express my sorrow at Mrs. Mac's passing. They also cannot express my thanks to her for her love and support for me during my high school years and afterward. She allowed me to sing with the 1968 Baker's Dozen and, oh, what an adventure that was. We thought we were just "it" to get to sing at some of the places we did. She allowed me to make great friends in the group, some of whom I am still close to. She whetted my appetite for good music that I still sing today as part of the Virginia Beach Chorale. She took me on my first trip to NYC. She was crazy taking a bus full of concert choir and band members to run loose in the Big Apple. What an exiting time for us and what a ball! I also thought we were practically family because my Uncle Claude was her cousin. I felt so proud of that. Deb - to you and your whole family - my condolences. I just lost my Dad the end of May, I can identify with your feelings. God Bless and keep the memory of our Mrs. Mac!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lee Barry left a message on August 29, 2010:
I was not in the chorus but in the band. She chose several of us to perform with the chorus for their Xmas concert for 1963 and 1964, and also for their spring concerts of 1964 and 1965. She paid us to help her. I will always remember those times, as long as my memory holds up. She was a most wonderful person. I am sorry that she has passed away. Lee Barry Bristol,Va. Class of '65. Also of the Alumni Association.
Janis Kello Richeal left a message on August 28, 2010:
I was lucky enough to be a student of Mrs. Mac's in 1968 for both the Concert Chorus as well as Girls Chorus. She also gave me the opportunity to sing in her wonderful Madrigals which really meant so much to me as I had come from Granby and had been told I was not good enough. She stated that was not the case at all and should have never been told that. I later was also lucky enough to meet your dad as he turned out to be a friend of my dad's. She was a very important person to me in my short time at Norview and one who taught me alot of which I still use today when I sing. I will never forget her. My prayer are with you and yours.
Dave and Carolyn Terray left a message on August 26, 2010:
It was truly a blessing to sing with Claire. She directed our church choir for many years and enriched our musical worship of the Lord with the wide variety of literature she selected. Many of her offertories were created on the spot. Her life touched so many and her talent will live on. May God's peace and comfort be with all of you.
Jewel Mazza left a message on August 26, 2010:
I was one of her students at Norview and I always thought Mrs. Mac was a wonderful teacher. I was in the Baker's Dozen and the mixed chorus in the 1960's. She will be missed by many. To her family-- I am very sorry for your loss and I will have you in my prayers. Thanks for sharing her with so many.
Eddie Dalton left a message on August 26, 2010:
So sorry to hear this but I understand she was suffering with a lot of pain. They don't make them like her anymore! My condolences to her family!
Hal J. Bonney, Jr. left a message on August 25, 2010:
I taught at Norview High School from 1951 to 1961 and knew Mrs. McDermott as an outstanding Teacher whom the students loved and the faculty knew her as a wonderful lady. God bless.
LEZERIA left a message on August 25, 2010:
To the family I would like to take this time to let you know "Mrs.Mac" was loved and respected and she will be missed. R.I.P.
Georgene Gene Martina Jansen left a message on August 25, 2010:
I am so saddened to hear of Ms. Mac's passing. I am one of her original "Baker's Dozen." She had the most profound impact on my life. I still sing today because of her and have several gold medals for singing that I owe to her. I am so glad many of the original Baker's Dozen were able to have a reunion with her in 2007. I have wonderful photos of her and the group. She was as gracious then as she was in 1959 when I first met her. I was so happy to have passed her audition to join her chorus. Over the next 4 years, I sang with her in every group except the boys' chorus including 3 All-State choruses. In my senior year at Norview, I was privleged to be in Ms. Mac's mixed chorus, madrigals, Baker's Dozen and a trio with Mona Basden and Stephanie Landis. Ms. Mac would take the trio to events that were too small for the Baker's Dozen. She made those years of my life some of the most memorable. I will miss you Claire, you are my hero.
Ronald Myers left a message on August 25, 2010:
I was smitten with Miss Mac from the first day in September 1970, as I sheepishly walked into her chorus room at Norview High, but what I would learn in that room about myself, and about the treasures and splendors of music and fine arts!!! Miss Mac was a peerless teacher, musician, as well as a LADY of great depth, generosity, and supreme class!!! She provided personal opportunities for me to perform as a singer throughout my students days at Norview, and even beyond college. Like many, I am greatly indebted to her for unselfishly lavishing us with her profound love for music, and for life. She and I also shared several wonderful visits during her stay at the nursing facility, where she was still sharp and witty, reminding me of things that I had forgotten!!! She will always remain in my thoughts, and in my heart. I want to offer sincerest condolences and prayers to Debbie and family. Miss Mac: well done, rest, until we meet again...
michael & cathie douthat left a message on August 25, 2010:
Dear Debbie,Phil, & family, Mike and I were saddened to hear of the loss of Mrs. Mac as we knew her. She was our Choir director at Norview High and I was lucky enough to be a singer in her Bakers Dozen group. She taught us the love of music and how to act as young ladies. She will truly be missed by so many whose lives she touched. She will be in our memory as long as we live. May God give you comfort at this very sad time. Sincerely, Michael & CathieCarter Douthat
Bob/Cathy Edwards left a message on August 25, 2010:
Our condolences to Debbie and her family. Claire was an inspiration in my life as she directed the choir at First Church of God in Norfolk. She delighted in serving her Lord at our church for over 20 years and blessed the hearts of many. She raised the "bar" and expected us to give our best as she directed us. I will never forget how proud Aunt Florence, Uncle John, Aunt Julia and my mom and dad Ed and Essye Edwards were of Clair's accomplishments in music and her willingness to share her talent with the church. I remember them marveling at how busy she was being a wife, mother, teacher, and student and still finding time to serve. She accompanied "Mac" as he sang at our wedding which is a fond memory of them for us. Our lives are richer for having her as a friend and cousin.
Betty Carleo Bean left a message on August 25, 2010:
My sincere sympathy to all the family. Claire played the piano for the C&P Telephone Chorus and the late Eleanor Waldin directed when I first met Claire. Then in 1992 after I retired and could attend day rehearsals, I joined Town and Gown. It was so great to have a director like Claire and a friend. We had many laughs and tears together.
Ginny Fox left a message on August 25, 2010:
Dear Debbie, Phil and Family, My parents, Ginny and Marshall Mauney, were very close friends of Claire! Our whole family sends you our sympathy and love at this time.Your Mom was a very talented and dear person. Sincerely, Ginny Fox and family
Eileen Fitzgerald Bennett left a message on August 25, 2010:
Mrs. "Mac" was a treasure to all who knew her as a teacher, musician, mentor or friend. She had a priceless gift of sharing her love of music with students and friends. I feel so blessed to have had her be such a positive influence upon my life and to have made my high school years at Norview so memorable. I treasure my fond memories of Concert Chorus and Bakers Dozen. I even remember singing some of my favorite songs from those years to my own children when they were babies. I extend my sincerest sympathy to Deborah and her family. Thank you for sharing the gift of of you mother with so many of us.
Cathy McCreary left a message on August 25, 2010:
Phil, Deborah, Phillip and Meredith, I was very sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like Mrs. Mac was an outstanding lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Christina Holley Talley left a message on August 25, 2010:
My condolences to the family of Ms. Mac. She has made a lasting impression on my life, and not a week goes by that I don't think of her. I will forever cherish memories of her as my choir director and one who cared about my future. Rest in peace, Ms. Mac.
Cremation Society of Virginia left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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