Claire C. Toohey, 82, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2015. Claire spent the final weeks of her courageous battle with cancer in her home surrounded by her family and friends.
Born in South Boston on February 23, 1933, she was the daughter of John J. and Katherine (Skehan) Coffey. After attending the University of Maryland, Claire worked in hospital administration. As a civilian with the U.S. Army, she assisted with the establishment of the first military dependents hospital in Seoul, Korea after the Armistice. Later, Claire worked as a Ward Administrator at a Veterans Administration Hospital.
After Claire lost her husband and the father of her three young children, John F. Toohey, in 1972, she devoted her life to raising their children, ensuring that they received excellent educations and established meaningful careers. Claire’s proudest accomplishment was her family, including her son, Sean Toohey and wife Anne of Elmhurst, IL, her daughter, Maureen Toohey of Manchester, her son, Brian Toohey and wife Lindsey of Amherst, NH; her grandchildren, John F. Toohey and Katherine M. Toohey, both of Elmhurst, IL.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, April 20, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Meetinghouse Road, Bedford. Burial followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s memory to St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bedford, NH or F.I.R.S.T. - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (www.usfirst.org).