It is with the heaviest of hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder, Claire Tubbs. Claire has served as our mentor, inspiration, and guiding light. She remained actively involved in the operation of the school and her experience and vast knowledge have been incalculable.
Education was in her blood. The daughter of a teacher, Claire graduated from Northwestern with a double degree in Primary and Elementary Education and Psychology. Always a trailblazer, Claire founded the school in 1968 as a young widow with three small children. The school was so successful in Richardson, that she opened another school in Plano. Eventually she closed the Richardson school to concentrate on the Plano location and in 2002 constructed the state-of-the-art facility that stands today.
Claire has influenced and touched so many lives, from teachers and staff, to the many children and families who passed through our school. She conducted herself with style, grace, and humor. She was known for her kindness and generosity, as well as her high expectations. To be chosen to teach in her school was an honor that came with great responsibility. She believed every child deserved to be taught in the way they learned best. She was a great promoter of self-esteem and believed children needed “love, love, LOVE.”
We will all miss Claire tremendously, but we take comfort in the fact that Claire is in every corner of Canyon Creek Day School. Her unmistakable presence can be felt by all who enter through the doors of the school. She leaves the school in the hands of her daughter, Director Alicia Webb, and her devoted staff and friends of many years, Denise Tatum, Penny Knutson, and Lori Wilcox. They, along with all of us at Canyon Creek Day School, plan to keep Claire’s legacy and vision alive for many years to come.
In lieu of flowers, we are planting a memorial tree for Claire. For more information, contact the office.