Claire Esther Barnum, 40, of Springfield, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 26, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones.
Claire was born in Astoria on Oct. 6, 1981, to Paul and Sibyl Barnum. The family moved to Springfield in 1987. Claire graduated from Springfield High School in 2000 and the University of Oregon in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in education.
She worked in numerous roles at EWEB for 15 years. Most recently she was executive director of Downtown Eugene Inc. and a consultant to the Commercial Investment Division of Lane County. In December 2019, she was honored as one of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s “20 under 40” young professionals.
Claire’s two children, Jacob Paul and Anabelle Renee, were the center of her life. She helped lead the Walterville School Boosters-PTO for several years. Claire and her life partner Matt Sayre loved to travel, attend live music performances and engage in civic life in Lane County. Their combined family of six, including her bonus children Hayden and Jack Sayre and dog Huckleberry, loved to camp, attend the kids’ numerous sporting activities, and explore the natural world.
Claire is survived by her two children, Jacob and Anabelle Lloyd; Matt Sayre and his children Hayden and Jack Sayre, all of Springfield; parents Paul and Sibyl Barnum, Eugene; sisters Lisa Barnum Field, San Diego, and Andrea Barnum Shunk, Portland; nieces and nephews Judson, Alice and Layla, and scores of dear friends.
Diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, Claire’s valiant fight gave her time with loved ones. Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who loved her radiant smile and zeal for life. In lieu of flowers, Claire’s family asks you to support her final wish of securing her children’s futures through a college fund.
