Claire Zerger Bentley

Suzannah Claire Zerger Bentley was born in Albuquerque, NM, on July 29, 1997. Her parents, Jon Bentley and Becky Zerger, along with her sisters Emma June and Laurel Anne, adored her from that day forward.  She transitioned to a new realm on Sept 7, 2023.

She attended Bandelier Elementary and Wilson Middle School. Then, during her 9th grade year, she lived in Granada, Nicaragua, and attended the American International School in Managua. She loved her year there and returned to Nicaragua for part of her sophomore year. After two more years at Albuquerque High School, Claire graduated in 2015. She attended CNM and UNM for a year, but then decided to go to work.    

Since she was 15, Claire was a competent, hard-working employee, great at customer service with her friendliness and charming smile. She worked at 66 Diner, Saggios, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, Standard Diner, Whole Foods, and most recently Rio Bravo Brewing Company. 

Claire loved deeply and was generous, funny, and loyal to friends and family. She was fiercely independent, pursued her passions, and believed in herself.  She had dreams for her future. 

There are no words to express the light, spark, and beauty of our beloved Claire, nor for our grief at her death. We, her family, are grateful for the outpouring of messages, memories, gifts, and support.