Claire Jewel Nystrom

Claire Jewel (Semplenski) Nystrom of Tega Cay, SC passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022.

Claire was born in Beacon Falls, CT to the late Frank and Clara (Wisniewski) Semplenski. She attended the University of Connecticut where she met her future husband, the late Paul E. Nystrom, Jr.  Claire remained a fervent UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball fan throughout her life.

After she and Paul raised four children, Claire returned to school to become a Registered Nurse and began a second career which she described as a “natural calling.”

Claire worked at Easton (PA) Hospital before joining the Ambulatory Surgical Center Team at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.

She later married the late Raymond Arnold and, after Claire retired from St. Luke’s, the couple moved to Hobe Sound, Florida. Never one to sit still, Claire began volunteering at Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Stuart, FL.  The VIM Clinic provides comprehensive medical care to the working uninsured in Martin County at no charge to the patient.  Claire and the other angels at VIM Clinic devoted countless hours to those in need of medical services.

Over the years, Claire’s love of adventure took her through Europe, Scandinavia and Central America.  A favorite highlight was a Spring Garden Tour of France including Giverny and the famed water gardens captured in paintings by Monet.

Claire relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2014, eventually settling in Tega Cay, SC.

Claire was predeceased by a son, Kurt and is survived by her daughters Tara, Tracy and Paula, and grandsons Adam, Evan and Taylor.  Claire was loved by a multitude of lifelong friends and family in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.  She will forever be missed.

Claire will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery with Paul Nystrom Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pat Summit Foundation’s search for a cure for Alzheimer’s at Pat Summitt Foundation or to Volunteers in Medicine Volunteers in Medicine.