Claire Cecilia Befera, 79 of Duluth Minnesota, died on Dec. 7, 2006 in Duluth. Claire was born in DesMoines, Iowa on Jan. 4, 1927. Claire attended St. Joseph's Academy in De Moines, Iowa excelling in music and acrobatics. She was just 4 years old when she began singing and dancing with her older sisters. During her high school years she sang with big bands and sat in with greats like Les Brown and Stan Kenton. Claire was also a featured vocalist at KSO radio in Des Moines and traveled with a US Army troupe dancing and singing for the military. Under her stage name, Claire Davis, she continued her singing career and while on the road, met her husband, Frank and settled down in Hibbing, Minnesota.

While raising 5 children she continued to perform in groups like the Bumps Stark Combo, Billy "D' Quartet and Sentimental Journey and saw a dream come true when she recorded a jazz album at Packyderm Studios in 1991. Over the years she sang at countless weddings and funerals throughout the area. An active member of St. John's Parish, Claire had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and the recitation of the Rosary. Like St. Francis of Assisi, she shared mutual affection with animals large and small, especially birds with whom she seemed to carry on conversations with her magnificent whistling. She shared her passion for dancing by teaching ballet to the children of St. Johns School. Claire also performed throughout the Northland in the senior tap group, The Inspirations. She competed in the National Miss Senior America Pageant in Rhode Island in 1994, winning the talent competition. She was a member of Women of the Moose, Women of the Elks and the Hibbing chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. For years Claire dressed up like Jolly St. Nick bringing cheer to neighbors, nursing homes, clubs and schools. She was a passionate supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Catholic Missions. Claire was also a prolific writer with many of her inspirational views published in area newspapers. The heartfelt poetry she composed for family and friends and the beauty of her singing are keepsakes those who knew and loved her will cherish forever. Claire is preceded in death by the loving father of her children, Frank, her parents Albert and Regina, sisters Jean and Marie, brother, Monsignor Albert Davidsaver, and son Delmo. She is survived by sisters, Genevieve of San Diego, Calif., and Beverlee of Chicago, Ill., brother John of Rice Lake, Wis., special friend and companion, Jim Champion of Duluth, her loving children, daughter, Gina and sons, Tim (Raquel), and Frank of Duluth, and Steven (Mayra) of Coral Gables, Fla. and 6 grandchildren, Kimberly, Jessica, Garrett, Grace, Timmy and Ishmael along with countless friends and fans whose lives she touched in so many ways.

Listen to Claire's Music. Click on any of the song titles below. They are all in MP3 format. If you have iTunes, it will automatically launch and play the song.

's Wonderful

A Time For Love

Ain't Misbehavin'

Deed I Do

Do Nothin' 'Till You Hear From Me

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Don't Take Your Love From Me

My Funny Valentine

Over The Rainbow

Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars

Sometimes I'm Happy

Tangerine