Claire Helen (Talbot) Ducharme died peacefully Wednesday, April 18, 2012 surrounded by her family, just four months shy of her 90th birthday.
Claire was born in Manchester on August 18, 1922, the daughter of Edesse and Leopold Talbot and was educated in Manchester. She led a life of devotion and encouragement to her two children, Michelle Bernard of Hampstead and Dan Beaudet of Hooksett. She instilled in them a sense of self sufficiency and self worth that guides them still.
Having lived in California and Florida she was predeceased by her loving husband Lionel Ducharme and after his death resettled in Manchester to be near her children and especially her grandchildren - John Bernard of Hampstead NH, Matt Beaudet and his wife Diana of Holliston, MA and Katie Beaudet Molloy and her husband Ben of Medfield, MA.
She was hardworking and resourceful and placed her love of family above all else. No matter what came her way, Claire approached everything with dogged determination and a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” attitude. She enjoyed reading and puzzles but mostly being close to family, especially her daughter and cheerleader, Michelle. Claire also served as a volunteer in several organizations including Prime Time, AARP and the Elliot Hospital. Prior to retirement, she had been employed as an insurance and investment broker.
Good humored to the last, GG (great grandmother) always lit up when surrounded by family especially her four great grandchildren - Caroline 8, Julia 4, Olivia 3, and Teddy 2.
She spent the last 2-1/2 years of her life as a resident of Evergreen Place assisted living in Manchester where she was cared for by a terrific staff and over the last few months received additional care from Amedisys Hospice Care of Londonderry.
She was predeceased by her sisters Irene Fournier and Olive Boisclair and her brother Adrienne (Tal) Talbot. She is survived by her sister Rita Burnetter of NY.
A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Church, South Elm St, Manchester. Claire’s ashes will be interred privately by the family alongside her mom and dad. Donations may be made in Claire’s name to Amedisys Hospice Care, 1 E Commons Dr. Unit 33, Londonderry NH 03053.