Claire Lee UPenn Obituary – Rising Nursing Student Remembered

Claire Lee, a rising junior in the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, passed away on August 20 in Syracuse, New York. News of her passing was shared with the undergraduate community by Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma and School of Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel, who asked the community to hold Claire’s family, friends, peers, and patients in their hearts during this difficult moment. The message also served as a reminder to reach out to one another and offer kindness as students returned to campus for the new academic year.

Claire’s path to nursing was shaped by both commitment and compassion. A 2023 graduate of Fayetteville-Manlius High School in New York, she joined Penn as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar — a program that supports outstanding students — and devoted much of her time to clinical learning and patient care. During the summer prior to her passing, Claire served as a student clinical assistant at Upstate Medical University, where faculty and colleagues remember her as someone who approached every patient with dignity and warmth.

Short Biography

A Life Dedicated to Helping Others

Those who knew Claire describe her as someone “born with a deep desire to do good.” Her sister, Chloe Lee, said Claire’s choice of nursing was rooted in wanting to uplift others, and in every role Claire took — student, teammate, volunteer, clinical assistant — she showed that caring impulse in action. As a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, Claire balanced rigorous academics with service and leadership, embodying the kind of student who not only learns for herself but also uses her skills to serve the community

The Penn Community Responds

Penn administrators and faculty expressed sorrow and encouraged students to look out for one another during the transition back to campus. The messages emphasized mental health resources and community support — practical reminders that grief reverberates through college communities and that resources exist for those who need help processing loss. Classmates and friends have shared memories online and on campus — stories of Claire’s gentle presence, steady dedication in clinical settings, and the small acts of kindness that marked her daily life.

Early Life and Education

Claire grew up in Fayetteville, New York, and graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 2023. Even as a high school student, her direction toward health care and service was clear. At Penn, she continued to develop clinical skills and academic excellence while joining a community of scholars. Friends and teachers remember her as academically driven but always available to lend a hand or an encouraging word to those around her.

Clinical Work and Future Aspirations

During the summer before her junior year, Claire worked as a student clinical assistant at Upstate Medical University. These hands-on experiences are formative for nursing students, and for Claire they were an opportunity to put compassion into practice. Colleagues there noted her ability to connect with patients and her eagerness to learn — traits that suggested a long career dedicated to patient-centered care. Her future plans were rooted in continuing clinical practice and advocacy in health care

Remembering Claire: Personal Stories

Friends have shared small, meaningful stories that paint a fuller picture of Claire’s personality: the way she greeted patients with a steady smile, stayed late to help a classmate review skills, or organized a small care package drive for a local clinic. These memories form the fabric of Claire’s legacy at Penn — a legacy of empathy, leadership, and quiet strength. Tributes on social media and campus message boards keep these recollections alive and provide comfort to those who miss her presence.

Support and Resources for Students

In the wake of a loss like this, universities often increase visibility of campus counseling and support resources. Penn’s messages to the community included reminders about counseling services and ways students can check in on one another. If you — or someone you know — are struggling with grief or mental health, reach out to campus health services, counseling centers, or trusted faculty and friends. These connections are essential in navigating grief and finding support.

FAQs

Q: When did Claire Lee pass away?
A: Claire Lee passed away on August 20 in Syracuse, New York. The University of Pennsylvania community was notified on August 22.

Q: What did Claire study at Penn?
A: Claire was a nursing student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and a Benjamin Franklin Scholar.

Q: Where did Claire work clinically?
A: She worked as a student clinical assistant at Upstate Medical University during the summer before her junior year.

Q: How can students seek support after this loss?
A: Penn’s administration encouraged students to use campus counseling and health resources; students should contact Penn Student Affairs or the School of Nursing for guidance and mental health support.

Q: Are there plans for memorials or tributes?
A: As of the university notice, community memorial plans or gatherings were not listed in the initial message; friends and student groups are sharing tributes online. Check Penn’s official channels or student groups for updates

Conclusion

Claire Lee’s passing leaves a deep mark on the Penn community, particularly among those she cared for and those she trained alongside. Her life — though far too short — was shaped by a clear desire to help others, shown through her scholarship, clinical work, and everyday kindness. As students and faculty return to campus, the calls to offer compassion and keep one another in mind are fitting tributes to Claire’s own approach to life. Remembering her means honoring that impulse: to listen, to help, and to show small acts of kindness that make a big difference