Claire Leona Pelletier

Claire Leona Pelletier, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at her home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on April 1, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Emile and Marie (Fournier) Pelletier.  She was raised and lived her entire life in Walpole mostly in her family’s home on Lake Avenue in Walpole, which was purchased by her parents in 1936.  Growing up in Walpole, Claire attended Walpole Public Schools, where she developed her passion for education prior to graduating from Walpole High School with the Class of 1950.  Following her graduation, Claire took a position as a telephone operator before continuing her education at Emmanuel College, earning her bachelor's degree in 1955.

Claire began her teaching career with the Town of Medway, providing instruction in their elementary school.  In September of 1960, she took a position with the Town of Foxborough, in the Mabelle M. Burrell Elementary School, teaching fourth and fifth grade.  Claire truly dedicated herself to her students, serving the children of Foxborough for thirty-five years before her retirement at the end of the school year in 1995.

Throughout her life, Claire loved staying active.  She was a longtime member of the Norfolk Country Club in Westwood, perfecting her swing and doing her best to improve her game every time she hit the links.  When she wasn't on the course, Claire could be found playing tennis or swimming laps at the Dedham Racquet Time Athletic Club and the YMCA in Needham.  Claire also remained active in her community of Walpole.  She was devoted to her faith, regularly attending Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church and making donations to a number of Catholic charities. Claire loved socializing at the Walpole Senior Center and participated in many of the planned outings, most recently going on a trip in May to Encore Casino.

As a connoisseur of the arts, Claire looked forward to a night on the town, taking in a show at the theater, ballet, or symphony.  She held tickets for many of the venues in Boston, earning the right to have one of the best seats in the house.  Claire would often gift her tickets to her nieces, who were always amazed at the location of the seats and the attendees who surrounded them.

Most of all, Claire loved to travel.  She visited countless destinations around the world, taking advantage of the school's summer vacations.  Her favorite places to visit were always in the Caribbean, where she would eventually purchase timeshares in Aruba and St. Maarten.

Devoted daughter of the late Emile and Marie (Fournier) Pelletier.

Loving sister of Rose Straehl of Laconia, New Hampshire, Joseph Pelletier of Dover, New Hampshire, Theresa Smith of Fort Mohave, Arizona, the late Omer Pelletier, the late Florence Simoni, the late Raymond Pelletier, the late Helena Bouffard, and the late Roland Pelletier.

Claire was blessed to be part of a very large family and is survived by over 30 nieces and nephews, countless great and great, great nieces and nephews as well as many long-time wonderful friends who traveled and played golf with her over the years. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Claire's visitation on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 11 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Claire's name may be made to the Walpole Senior Center, 60 South Street, Walpole, MA 02081.