Tribute To Toddler Who Died Suddenly Unveiled Soon

MATTITUCK, NY — A beautiful tribute to a baby girl lost too soon is set to be unveiled in Mattituck.

"Claire's Corner" at Mattituck-Laurel Library, a project that gave a makeover to the toddler area at the library, will be dedicated on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m.

"Thank you to the friends, family, co-workers and community for your generous donations and support of creating a special place in loving memory of Suzanne and Judd's precious daughter Claire Anne Lincoln," the event announcement read. "It is with great gratitude that we present the completion of Claire's Corner at Mattituck-Laurel Library."

Suzanne and Judd Lincoln were faced with the devastating news no parents should ever have to bear when they learned in November that their beautiful 14-month old baby girl, Claire Anne, had died suddenly.

After the heartbreaking loss, the community joined hands and hearts to create a forever tribute in Claire's memory.

A GoFundMe page, "Claire's Corner," was created to honor Claire.

"There are many broken hearts and members of the community grieving while trying to make sense of this heartbreaking tragedy," the page says. "Suzanne and Judd are passionate about their daughter Claire not being forgotten, so we as a community would like to honor their wishes."

The goal, according to the page, was to give the Mattituck-Laurel Library's toddler area a makeover.

"Our vision is to create an inviting, magical place for small children; a place encouraging exploration, reading and learning engagement — a place created and named in the loving memory of Claire Anne Lincoln," the page said.

Specifically, the aim was to create a new entryway marked in memoriam of Claire Anne Lincoln, incorporate innovative toddler seating, provide creative bookshelves, add an age appropriate interactive educational learning wall, and install new carpeting.

Also, the page said, 100 percent of donations would be used to support the project.

Speaking to Patch about her baby, Suzanne said creating "Claire's Corner" at the library was a beautiful way to honor her baby. Her son, Charlie Michael, who is three and a half, loves to go there with his grandmother Nancy Lincoln.

When the idea for the project was presented to her, she was overcome with emotion at the outpouring of love.

Friends also organized to bring meals after the unthinkable changed her life forever, Suzanne said.

"The North Fork is a close-knit family. You don't realize how much, until a tragedy happens," she said. "It's amazing."

"She was 100 percent perfect"

The day that no mother should ever have to recount began like so many others, Suzanne said. Her husband works for Riverhead Building Supply and Suzanne, for Hyatt Place Long Island/East End & Atlantis Banquet and Events.

Her son goes to a day nursery in Riverhead, and her daughter went to the same private sitter where Suzanne had sent Charlie until he began attending school.

"I dropped Claire off at the sitter. I hugged her. I kissed her. And then I dropped off my son," Suzanne said.

She headed to her job at Hyatt Place, where she's a sales manager.

"It was a normal day, a Tuesday," a day when she had a sales meeting, Suzanne said. "I went back to my office and had two messages. I hung up the phone and in that time frame, I'd gotten another message from my husband. He was frantic, telling me to get to the hospital, that they'd found Claire unresponsive and not breathing."

Grabbing her bag in a panic, she ran through the office; when she got to the door her friend and co-worker Michelle DeBay offered to drive.

When they got to the ER, Suzanne said she was looking for her daughter. "There were all these people in the hallway. I saw my husband; he was so upset. They brought us into a private room and within 10 minutes, the doctor came in. He apologized, gave me a hug, and told us they were not able to revive her. She was pronounced dead at 3:18 p.m. that day."

And to date, there are no answers why.

Her daughter, Suzanne said, had died of Sudden Unexplained Death In Childhood, or SUDC, which is defined as the "sudden and unexpected death of a child 12 months and older which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted," according to the SUDC Foundation.

According to statistics provided by the SUDC Foundation, SUDC was the cause of death in 2016 for 236 children between ages 1 and 4, 30 between the ages of 5 and 9, 37 between the ages of 10 and 14, and 142 for ages 15 to 19.

Recently, the results of their daughter's autopsy indicated that she was "100 percent perfect," Suzanne said. "There was nothing wrong with her."

The Lincolns met with a chief medical examiner, who had tears in his eyes, because, she said, there were no answers.

Her baby, Suzanne said, had been teething, getting her first two molars. "She was cranky, with a runny nose. I was sick, my son was sick. But that was it. Besides the teething, she was a really healthy child."

She and her husband plan to head to New York City, to NYU and the SUDC Foundation, for additional, more in-depth testing, to try and find the answers that are so far, heartbreakingly elusive.

"She was just a gentle soul"

Describing her precious baby girl, Suzanne said she was vibrant and loving, sweet and very smart, already able to pick up some sign language, blowing kisses, and already in command of a vocabulary, saying words including "Momma" and "Dada" at 14 months.

"She was just a gentle soul," she said.

Although not always a great sleeper, Claire was a calm, happy baby, content to sit quietly in the cart while she shopped, Suzanne said. She loved "Little Einstein" and the "Mickey Mouse Club House" — and she adored her doll babies, which she'd cradle and rock in her arms.

"It was so cute," she said.

Faced with unimaginable pain, Suzanne said she was comforted not only by her loved ones by the circle of friends at work who were as close as family. It was returning to routine, for herself and her husband, as well as her son, that helped them navigate the first dark weeks.

Tears still flow easily as she tries to grasp a life without her sweet little girl. "It's very surreal, to think, 'This is our life now.' We have to wake up every day and find a new norm. It's hard for me to even comprehend some days."

Her son, she said, has kept her moving forward: He's just a little boy who loves windmills, energy, and vacuums, and fans, and who deserved a Christmas with gifts, including a pint-size vacuum of his own, from Santa.
Together with her family, her husband and her friend Michelle, they were able to decorate a tree for Charlie.

Suzanne said she's lifted out of moments of deep despair by the outpouring of love from her friends and colleagues at Hyatt Place, Riverhead Building Supply, the Mattituck-Laurel Library, and all the many in the community who are joining hands and hearts to create a forever memory of her daughter.

When she was told by her friends and colleagues about the plans for Claire's Corner, Suzanne said was moved to tears. "I was honored, that my employers and colleagues wanted to do that for us."

"She was such a perfect baby"

Despite trying to summon the inner strength to move forward, Suzanne said the questions linger — haunt.

"She was such a perfect baby," she said. Some babies with SUDC have some family history that can offer explanations. But not Claire. "She had nothing. She just did not wake up when she went down for her nap," Suzanne said.

When Claire didn't wake up at the usual time, her sitter went to check. "She was already cool," Suzanne said. "She hadn't just passed away."

Suzanne said she's found some comfort in seeking answers in faith.

"Maybe God just wanted her back," she said. "Maybe she was here for a reason. Time will tell."

Reflecting on her daughter's joyful birth, Suzanne said, "She completed us." A family of four, she said, "I was so happy, with our children, that we had a boy and a girl. We had a happy life, and then our life was uprooted and shaken like this."

There are moments that render her immobile with grief, Suzanne said, such as when her husband and son were playing a game, as they always do, throwing socks, and she realized that now, they are 3, no longer 4, no longer evenly matched, boys against girls. "I realized, 'I'm never going to have my daughter.'"

Her daughter, she said, was just learning to walk. "I just bought her her first pair of shoes in mid-October."

And when she went to Target, those pink and purple velcro toddler shoes were still there, hanging on the outside aisle.

Shoes her baby Claire would never get to wear.

Claire's crib stands untouched, her sheets still the same.

At night, she and her husband remember their girl, waking them up in the night, standing up in her crib, her hands on the edge, "awake and ready to party at 2 a.m." — something they'd do anything to see again.

"She was a cutie pie," Suzanne said.

Their family finds strength in each other as they try to navigate a course more painful than they'd ever imagined, with no warning of when the grief will engulf.

"Every day is different," she said.

But the idea of Claire's Corner at the Library brings comfort, Suzanne said.

"We'll have a place to go, where people will see that she's still with us — where they will see the light of her beauty."

Claire, Suzanne said, was fascinated with books, holding them the right way and looking at them intently. One day, she pulled all the books off the shelf and was happily ensconced among a sea of titles.

Claire's Corner will include a new entrance to the children's section, with a plaque for Claire, as well as a new seating area with pictures of Claire's happy, smiling face.

And the Library project isn't the only way the community is reaching out: Suzanne has received prayer blankets, teddy bears, a sea of gifts at Christmas, and so much more.

Suzanne said she and her husband want to express to all just how much the expressions of love and comfort have meant — and to thank the many who have reached into their hearts during their darkest hours.

Nancy Lincoln, Judd's mother, also reflected on how much the Library project means.

Nancy watched Claire one day a week, and also, watched Charlie on another, taking him to the Library.

"When I saw Claire staring at the books, I thought, 'It's time to take her to the library next week.' Next week never came," she said.

Claire, she said, adored her big brother and would try to imitate everything he did, including enjoying the books and reading quietly to herself. "That was very touching to me," she said.

Nancy said she found comfort in the service at Mattituck Presbyterian Church, where she raised her own boys.

And she finds some solace in her faith.

"Scripture says that with Jesus, we are not insecure, there are no tears," she said. "God promises us His peace. We can count on Him to get us through this."

And the support and prayers of the small-town community that has wrapped their family in loving arms has been nothing short of mind-boggling, she said.

Claire's Corner will resonate for generations of children, Nancy said: "What's so touching to me is that everybody understands the importance of libraries. Reading can take children who are sad or depressed or lonely on a wonderful adventure, spark their imaginations and help their brains develop in ways that don't happen with iPads or computers. Something happens to your brain when you hold a book in your hand and read."

The Mattituck-Laurel Library, she added, "is such a special, special place. That library was always so special and to see that my son's child will continue going, and the other will be honored there, it really touches my heart."

Nancy added, with her granddaughter's dreams and plans cut short, Claire's Corner is a way to keep her alive, creating joy out of angst and deep sadness. "To see something beautiful associated with her little life and her name is very sweet. I'm so grateful."

The team behind Claire's Corner include Suzanne's colleagues at Hyatt Place Long Island.

Caryn Devivo, corporate sales manager for Long Island Aquarium, explained how Claire's Corner was born.

"After this tragic, heartbreaking event, coworkers of Suzanne and Judd at both Long Island Aquarium and Riverhead Building Supply were struggling to find a way to help. This library concept was brought to light and we thought, 'What a wonderful idea,'" she said.

A leadership committee was formed, the Mattituck-Laurel Library was contacted and welcomed the idea, and the concept of Claire's Corner became a reality.

For DeVivo, Claire's Corner "helps keep a mother's memory of her precious child alive."

Describing Claire's Corner, DeVivo said, "By creating Claire's Corner at the Mattituck-Laurel Library, we hope to create a space that is magical and engaging for toddlers, a space offering social interaction and active play, a space that is safe and comfortable for children and their families."

The goal was to raise between $30,000 and $40,000 for the project, with proposed Library enhancements including focusing the space with a defined entryway; replacing the current children's table and creating a comfortable children's corner; providing extended shelving for book storage and fun innovative seating for reading; identifying a space for toys, games, coloring sheets, and puppet theatre; incorporating an interactive learning wall; replacing carpeting to define the space; a memorial plaque in honor of Claire Anne Lincoln at a new entrance to the toddler area; and a framed photograph of Claire Anne Lincoln in "Claire's Corner."

Long Island Aquarium and Riverhead Building Supply, DeVivo said, are both local, successful family owned businesses. "I feel they value and regard their employees as part of their extended family. Both businesses are completely committed to supporting the Lincoln family with this very special memorial project."

Tony, who declined to give his last name, is director of sales at Hyatt Place Long Island; he spoke about the project and its deep meaning.

"After Claire's passing Caryn came to me with this idea after speaking to her contacts at Riverhead Building Supply. We all felt that we needed to do something to preserve Claire's memory, and what better place to do this than the Library, as this is her brother Charlie's favorite place? Judd has lived his whole life in Mattituck and is a big part of the community," he said.

Helping his colleague who is close as family means the world, Tony said. "Sue and I have worked together for over 10 years. We have gone through good times and bad, but are always there for each other."

Tony said he is honored to be a part of the project. "I feel it will help the family heal. And also, it will make me heal. As a father of two girls who are now grown I cannot imagine my life without them. It makes me sad Sue and Judd will never have what I have with my girls."

Of Claire's Corner, Tony said the updated space "will put a smile on all our faces when we visit and see children enjoying the space and the gift of reading. My younger daughter will graduate this year with a degree in English literature and go on to a urban teacher program, teaching the underprivileged. So you can imagine how important reading is, to me and my family. Having Claire's memory shared this way is beautiful," he said.

He added, "Sue has been and continues to be a huge part of our team and organization. We love her and her family and as an employee I could not ask for more."

Amanda Goodale of Riverhead Building supply agreed that the project can only help to heal: "After hearing of the tragedy we were all thinking of something we can do for the Lincolns. As a mother myself to a toddler and baby, I know how much time we spend at the Library. The Library seems to be a safe place for play and learning. The idea surfaced and after a few phone calls it became a reality."

She added, "It makes me happy that together as a community we are making sure that Claire is never forgotten, and that there is a special place for loved ones to remember her and children to learn about her. It's a beautiful thing that is happening and I'm honored to be part of this."
One hope is that children and toddlers will feel safe and engaged at Claire's Corner, she said. "I hope it brings comfort to the family and friends who are grieving as well."

Jeff Walden, director of the Mattituck Laurel Library, said he was contacted by Riverhead Building Supply and was told "about little Claire and how she had passed away so suddenly."

When asked if the Library could help to create something special for Claire, Walden spoke with Karen Letteriello, the head of the youth and parenting department at the Library.

"And, because Claire was a toddler, we focused on that area of the children's room. We decided that renovating our toddler corner in Claire's name would be appropriate."

He added: "The library is honored to be part of this special project remembering Claire. Claire's passing was a very tragic event for the Lincoln family and the entire community. To be part of creating something special and lasting for Claire and her family is uplifting."

Walden said he believes the local public library is a wonderful choice for creating a special memorial to Claire.

"Our community library plays a central role in nurturing the love of books and learning during a child's formative years. The children's room is a welcoming space for parents to bring their children to read, play and socialize . . .Our hope is that Claire's Corner will be a safe, engaging and magical space where toddlers come to explore, play and make friends while spending time with their parents or caregivers."

He added, "We are pleased that our library can be part of Claire Lincoln's memorial project, one that will benefit toddlers and their parents in our community for years to come. The library belongs to the Mattituck-Laurel community, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to provide something meaningful for the Lincoln family."

Photo courtesy Lincoln family.