Clara (Claire) Josephine Sheeley

Clara Josephine Sheeley—known to all as Claire, and lovingly as “Sugar G”—passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the age of 90, in Gulf Breeze Florida. Her cherished nickname, Sugar G, was given to her by her grandson Nick at a very young age and perfectly captured her sweetness, warmth, generosity plus playful spirit.

Claire was born on June 7, 1935, and lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and deep love for family and friends. Surviving life in orphanages and foster homes, she was on her own and self-supporting at 15 years old. As an adult, she worked as a Realtor and a professional with the Hayward Unified School District in California, but her true joy came from building, remodeling, and transforming spaces. Whether homes, condos, or motorhomes, Claire had an uncanny flair for design and function that made everything she touched feel special.

She and the love of her life, her husband Merton (Mert) Sheeley, saved for, designed, and built from the ground up their dream home on McClean’s Bay on Hayden Lake near Coeur d’Alene—a place that reflected her creativity and heart. Her entrepreneurial spirit also shined through the gift shop she co-owned at the Spokane Sheraton and her gift basket business at Trader’s Cove on Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Claire loved the beach in Capitola, California, and Pensacola Beach, Florida where she made lifelong friends. No matter where she lived, she created community, laughter, and beauty.

An excellent cook, Claire was famous for her pot roast, oatmeal cookies, macaroni and cheese, and countless other comforting dishes. One of her favorite places was the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course restaurant, overlooking the floating green, where she enjoyed meals and conversation with many friends and family. She was a voracious reader of every kind of book and loved reading the daily newspaper. Her competitive streak and sharp strategic mind came alive during games of Scrabble and Pinochle—games she played with both intensity and joy.

Claire was preceded in death by her beloved brothers Mickie Doyle and Robert Payne, her mother Alice Peterson Doyle, and her devoted husband Merton Sheeley, with whom she shared 47 wonderful years before his passing in 2018. She was also preceded in death by her first husband of 17 years, Frank Wukich.

She is survived by her daughters Rene’ Wukich, Susan Garcia, and Lori Wheeler; her son Jim Sheeley; and her adored grandson Nicholas Gomez Wukich, who was the light of her life. She was delighted to bring Sue and Jim into her life when she married Mert and was blessed with a close and loving relationship with Sue throughout her life. She loved being close to Sergio and the Gomez family and enjoyed unforgettable meals and a dear bond with Scott. These were very special years filled with love and laughter. Claire spent her final days surrounded by loved ones, laughing, reminiscing, and reading stories from the many journals she lovingly kept about her grandson over the years.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the VITAS Hospice team—especially Shannon and Sabel, two of the kindest and most remarkable humans ever known. Deep thanks also go to cherished friends and caregivers Melissa, Julie, and Kimberly, whose exceptional care, love, and unwavering warmth brought comfort and peace to Claire and her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, Claire would love donations made in support of children struggling in orphanages or foster care, reflecting her own childhood experiences, or to Tunnel to Towers (T2T), honoring and supporting our military members and first responders.

Claire’s legacy lives on in the homes she built, the meals she shared, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.