Claire Alice Cisternelli

Claire A. (Flynn) Cisternelli passed away on January 3rd at Beth Israel, Needham hospital, after a brief illness. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on August 27, 1934, she was the only child of Edmund B. Flynn and Alice G. (Rich) Flynn. She is a graduate of Notre Dame Academy and Regis College, earning a master’s degree in education. After graduating, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, where her love for art and music was cultivated. She taught in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before returning to Massachusetts and teaching elementary school in Sharon, MA. Working as a camp counselor in Norwood, MA, she met another counselor, and the love of her life, Edward G. Cisternelli. They married and were virtually inseparable for sixty years. They settled in Foxboro, and Claire retired from full-time teaching while raising their three daughters. She always took a direct approach to her girls' activities and education, enthusiastically volunteering as a Girl Scout leader and serving on PTO committees. She never fully stepped away from teaching, working as a substitute teacher in the Foxboro school system for many years. She returned to education in the late eighties as head of the English department at Ursuline Academy, also serving as the Student Counsel and Yearbook moderator. Ed and Claire moved to Walpole, MA, in 1994 and enjoyed countless hours with their grandchildren. Nana let all the grandkids explore their creative sides, teaching them how to bake her famous peanut butter cookies, whipping up homemade playdough, playing cards, and her favorite games-Scrabble and Chinese checkers. A lifelong avid reader, she was always reading to the grandchildren and, as they grew, piqued their interest by suggesting classics she thought they would enjoy based on their personalities and interests. She enjoyed telling stories about her lineage and her ancestors' lives with her family, as well as instilling an appreciation for the arts and natural wonder. A patron of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and PBS, she looked forward to Sunday nights for the latest episodes of period dramas, starting with Upstairs Downstairs in the 1970s and continuing through Downton Abbey in recent years. Along with Papa, they were the greatest supporters and cheerleaders of the grandchildren, attending many competitions, plays, recitals, games, and Grandparents’ days, always offering encouragement and positive feedback. She considered her sons-in-law her children and developed a unique and individual bond with each of them.

Claire will be remembered as a kind, supportive woman who worked hard to instill strong values and a sense of self-worth into her children and grandchildren. Her wit and wry sense of humor will be long remembered by those who knew her. Ed could tell tales, but it was Claire's sharp wit that could make one laugh instantly. Even in her last hours, she was making her family laugh with her quips. Her presence will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Beloved wife of Edward, loving mother to Andrea and her husband Wallace S. Olsen III of East Walpole, Claudia and her husband Mark Hooper of Walpole, and Monica and her husband Richard Reeves of Niantic, CT. Cherished grandmother of John and Claire DiMillo, Wallace, Allyce, and Daniel Olsen, and step-grandmother to Ryan Reeves. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews and dear friends who will miss her tremendously.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Claire's Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at 10:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, with visiting hours continuing after the conclusion of services, until 11:30 am.

Because of her deep appreciation for nature and beauty it provided, and her love of raccoons, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society at https//www.massaudubon.org in Claire’s name.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die, but to live forever.”