Claire Pierz

“I always felt the Lord was directing me where he wanted me to go, and viewed my various experiences as stepping stones to God.”
-Sister Claire Pierz, SNDdeN, at her 70th Jubilee

Sister Claire Pierz, SNDdeN was born on September 2, 1939, in Harrison, New Jersey, where her grandfather was the chief of police. She had one older sister, and their mother was a teacher.

Sister Claire celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2026

The girls attended Catholic grammar school with the Sisters of Charity. When she was in fourth grade, one of the Sisters of Charity told her, “When you decide to become a Sister, don’t forget the Sisters of Charity.” 

In high school, Sister Claire was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph, but ultimately decided to join the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception in New Britain, Connecticut, where a cousin and an aunt were members of the order. 

“My mother was thrilled,” she says, “and my father went right along. They were very happy and very supportive of my decision.” 

Following high school graduation in 1956, she became a postulant and was quickly given a long-term substitute position in a first-grade classroom.  

“They needed a teacher right away,” Sister Claire recalls. “I taught for six months, filling in for a Sister who was sick. Every day after school, I sat with two other Sisters who went over my lesson plans until I felt more comfortable.” 

Sister Claire eventually taught elementary school for 14 years at various schools. One assignment in Waterbury, Connecticut, proved life-changing when she encountered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.  

“At that time, the Church was changing and religious life was changing,” she says. “I saw that the order I was in was not moving forward, but Notre Dame de Namur was. I wanted to be part of a more progressive congregation.” 

She successfully transferred to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and petitioned to be received as a Sister right away.
 

“I explained that I already had enough experience,” she laughs. “I wanted to be a Sister, not a novice.” 

Sister Claire continued teaching and then found another calling — as a foster mother to preschoolers in a home which she opened for children under age four in need of foster care. It was especially rewarding, and for 10 years, she provided love and care to several children who were later adopted. 

“I always loved children,” she explains. “The Diocese of Hartford provided a house close to the seminary, and I started with twin girls. We still stay in touch; I just went to a baby shower for one of them.” 

Next, she moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, to direct the office of SND advocates and lead the support coordinators at Notre Dame Long-Term Care Center. 

Now living at Julie House in Windsor, Connecticut, Sister Claire reflects back on her life and the opportunities she’s enjoyed. 

“I always felt the Lord was directing me where he wanted me to go, and viewed my various experiences as stepping stones to God. I’ve had a wonderful life,” she says with gratitude. 

Sister Claire celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2026.