Claire Louise (Donnelly) Tobia, age 94, of Windham, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, surrounded by her loving family at the Warde Health Center, Windham, NH.
Claire was born in Fall River, MA, one of eight children of Lawrence and Susan Donnelly. In Fall River, she attended Saint Mary’s School and was taught by the Sisters of Mercy. She later attended Durfee High School and worked in Fall River where she met and married John Tobia - a marriage that lasted for 67 years, until John’s death in 2010.
Claire was a loving and devoted mother of three: John (Toby) Tobia and his wife, Tami of Eagle River, Alaska; Beth McGuire and her husband, Jim, of Windham, New Hampshire; and Michael Tobia of Hampton, New Hampshire. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Jared McGuire, Rebecca Tobia Maines, Katelyn Tobia, and Michelle Tobia. Claire’s sole surviving sibling is her brother, Joseph Donnelly of Fall River and his wife, Mary Jane.
She was predeceased by her siblings: John Donnelly, L. Kenneth Donnelly, Evelyn Gleason, Mary Grady, Woodrow Donnelly, and Frank Donnelly.
Claire and Johnny raised their family in Methuen, MA, where Claire became known for her joyful, loving ways as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Y-Teen Youth Group Leader. She was also employed by the Lawrence YWCA. Claire and John retired to Florida, where they spent 30 years.
Claire enjoyed her last 6 years of life as a resident of the Warde Health Center in Windham, NH where she once again found herself in the loving, compassionate environment of the Sisters of Mercy.
Funeral arrangements have been made for this Friday morning, December 12th. Both the viewing and Funeral Mass will be held at the Warde Health Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham, NH.
Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed immediately by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warde Health Center, 21 Searles Rd, Windham, NH 03087.