Claire Coppola

Claire Susan Hartwig Coppola (11/01/1951 - 06/27/2025) born Aimee Jo Ferretti in Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully in Boulder, CO, at the age of 73. Claire lived a vibrant and passionate life defined by adventure, resilience, and love.

Claire is survived by her four beloved children, Sebastian Carl Coppola (Mary Semich), Megan Elizabeth Coppola Harling (John "Jack" Harling), of Colorado, Dr. Erica Mary Coppola (Dustin Simpson) and Katherine Grace Coppola Marthe (Nelson Marthe), of North Carolina, and her treasured grandchildren Leo Alexander & Ava Mae Coppola, Adrian Luis & Sofia Grace Marthe, and Sylvie Claire Harling.

Claire is preceded in death by her loving parents, Carl Henry Hartwig & Elizabeth "Bette" Webb Hartwig, and her grandfather Michael Reynolds of Greensburg, PA; her cherished birth mother Rita Ferretti Hibay Cready, her brother David Hibay, and her birth father Joseph H. Kelley, all of Pittsburgh, PA. She is survived by her dear siblings: Dr. William Henry Hartwig (Joann Harrold) of Poughkeepsie, NY; Joanne Hibay Henigman (William Henigman), Pamela Hibay Elia (Thomas Elia), of Pittsburgh, PA; and Denise Hibay, of New York, NY. She leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews: Laura Hartwig (John) Woodburn, Diana Hartwig (Faraz) Naseer, Wil (Courtney) Henigman, Jacob "Jake" (Megan) Henigman, Samantha Henigman, Thomas "Tommy" Elia, Maxwell (Rochelle Capila) Kelley, Cori Hibay, Russell Hibay, Keith Coppola, Robert (Chrissy) Coppola, and John (Kirstin) Coppola along with 20 great-nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her nephew Dirksen Kelley.

Claire maintained close relationships with extended family, cousins, and childhood friends including Mary Beth Simpson, Cathy Ferretti, Tom Ferretti, Don Cortese, and the Petrone family all of Pittsburgh, PA, Corinne Sherton of Salem, OR, Rob Barrow of Manchester, MD, DanFerretti of Colorado Springs, CO, and Cathy Kuehne of Columbia, MD.

Claire enjoyed academic endeavors and earned many accolades. She graduated from Hempfield Area High School, Greensburg, PA (1969), where she was Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning school newspaper and recipient of both the West Penn Power academic scholarship and the DAR Good Citizen Award; Allegheny College (BA in French, 1973) with a Junior Year Abroad at the Université de Strasbourg, France; and Columbia University Graduate School of Business (MBA, 1977). Claire was among the first women to earn the Chartered Financial Analyst credential "CFA" in 1984 following three years of study.

Claire's professional career began in 1973 at a French bank, Credit Lyonnais, in New York and Chicago, then in 1977, she joined Goldman Sachs as one of the first seven women professionals. Moving to London, UK, she became an Asst. Vice President at Kidder Peabody. After returning to the USA, and raising her family, she resumed her brokerage career at Solomon Smith Barney, NJ, until 2001. She was a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts which was headquartered in the World Trade Center. She was proud to volunteer, on-site, with the Salvation Army after the 9/11 terrorist attacks aiding in the recovery efforts.

Claire's curiosity and zest for life extended far beyond academic and professional pursuits. Her passions beyond her family were outdoor activities, delving into history, traveling the world, and living a healthy, organic lifestyle. During college, she devoted three summers at an archaeological dig in Tel Gezer, Israel and told many stories from this time in her life. Adventurous and energetic, Claire was an avid snow and water skier, certified scuba diver and water safety instructor, tennis player, horseback rider, and even served as an assistant soccer coach. She loved gardening. Claire was a member of the Herb Society in London and proud Master Gardener in Morris County, NJ. Athletically inclined and determined, Claire completed her first competitive race - the L'Eggs Mini-Marathon in Central Park in 1977- one of the earliest women-only 10Ks. Years later, she fulfilled a lifelong goal by finishing the New York City Marathon in 1993.

Her passion was as a breeder and show enthusiast of Tibetan Terriers (2004-2023) and Bernese Mountain Dogs (1994-2015). She was happiest at home, raising the puppies and ensuring they were placed with loving families. Her Tibetan Terriers were awarded multiple Best in Show ribbons and were often ranked among the top dogs in the country. As a team, she and her dogs earned titles in obedience, drafting, and herding. Claire was an active member of the national and local breed clubs for both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Tibetan Terriers, where she built lifelong friendships and left a meaningful legacy. Her wisdom, guidance, and unwavering dedication to the breed is evidenced by the lasting impact she made on many friends and colleagues in these communities.

Claire will be remembered as an extraordinary mother, grandmother ("Nana"), aunt, and sister who brought warmth and excitement to every moment. She thrived in the joyful chaos of raising four children. She had a rare gift for building community through neighborhood groups, dog clubs, and wellness circles. Claire was a strong and intelligent woman who broke free from traditional expectations, and enjoyed exploring different cultures, religions, and philosophies from around the world. She lived with integrity, kindness, and compassion; always striving to see the best in others and to support those in need.

In the spring of 2023, Claire was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She faced the illness with quiet strength and steadfast determination, never allowing the illness to define her.

Claire was grateful for the incredible family, friends, mentors, and furry four-footed companions who enriched her life. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, love, and joy that will always be remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 12th at 11 am at the First Congregational Church of Boulder, 1128 Pine Street, Boulder, CO 80302. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. A reception will follow in Plymouth Hall.

In honor of Claire's vibrant spirit, the family asks guests to wear bright colors. Flowers may be sent to the First Congregational Church with delivery Friday in the early afternoon or Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Deliver to 1128 Pine Street, to the door on the Pine Street side of the building, nearest the peace crane sculpture.

Donations may be made to:

Colorado Gynecological Cancer Alliance - a wonderful organization who supported Claire and her family throughout her cancer journey

Tibetan Terrier Health & Welfare Foundation - a cause dear to her heart.