CLAIRE BREEN Obituary

So sad to learn that such an amazing and inspiring lady has left this world. Mrs Breen you were my most favourite teacher EVER. You motivated me and inspired me to embark on a fantastic career in the Textile industry that enabled me to travel the world; Europe, Asia & Australia sourcing products, experiencing different cultures, visiting textile fairs and enjoying a career that was more like a dream. Wow I really do have you to thank so much for. To this day I still have my little Bernina sewing machine and use to do little repairs on my kids clothes! It sits proudly in my laundry and often think of you fondly. Sending much love to your family for their loss – I know it will be great.xo

Gerry and family my sincere condolences in your sad loss. l so enjoyed my email correspondence with Claire over the years and feel devestated to know this lovely lady has left us. My thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely
Pam Atkinson Pegasus

To the Breen family, its been over 20 years since I last annoyed Mrs Breen in class at Marcellin, but all these years later still remember with awe her love and support for everyone. I will always smile when I think of Mrs Breen and her hugs. My prayers are for you at this sad time.

On behalf of all the Dornan Family tree (Scotland) members we would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Gerry Breen and family

Oh, happy days in August, 1958 when we met on the boat from England to Canada to teach in Hamilton, Ontario. Claire taught P.E.for two years while those of us who lived with her enjoyed her great cooking.she could not wait to return to new Zealand to marry Gerry.
I will miss her emails on the many topics she was interested, in with her apt remarks.

Her smile is what I remember first.This is a sad day in the world. Claire was a great friend to my mum. Those two could sit for hours and talk about anything, and they would laugh together till tears welled in their eyes. I remember thinking, "what a great mate mum has!". When she was over for a cup of tea the house would be full of laughter. I'm a better person for knowing Claire and she will be in my heart and hearts of my entire family and the entire Marcellin College family forever! Keep smiling Claire.

On Claire's behalf I thank all those students who have so far posted tributes to Claire. I recognize all your names as she would talk to me about you with great affection and respect. Claire did love all her students and tried to help them where she could, whether in school classes or at camps. She was my brightest star for 57 years since we met in January 1957 and will leave an enormous hole in my life. Thank you once again, all from people she loved so much. Claire's husband Gerry

"Mrs Breen what a wonderful human being". In 1983 you encouraged me to be content with who I am. It's now 2014 and I have passed on the same message to my own 6 children and I am reaping such joy....Thank you Lord for gifting us with Mrs Breen may she rest in our love.... Hila Vainikolo Tuli

Mrs. Breen you are Legend. Your smile, relaxed manner and warmth are things that I will always remember. Most of my memories of Marcellin are of you, Benedict, the sewing room, Saul and Steve's morning prayers and all the laughter.
May you rest easy in the arms of The Lord in the knowledge that your legacy of love lives on in all your students. B3 till infinity. Ofa lahi atu from all of the Vainikolo Clan.

I was in Mrs Breen's form class when I was in Form 3, and I was also in her Clothing & Textile classes for 4 years. She was an amazing teacher & a wonderful person. She made my start at Marcellin College an easy one. I will also remember her fondly.

A wonderful teacher who would always brighten your day with her beaming smile. She had a way with words that always brought out the best in her students, and could turn the most un-creative mind into a work of art. Thank you.