Claire M. Duffy, of West Dennis formerly of Woburn, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, March 9, 2016. The beloved wife of the late Walter T. Duffy, she was eighty two years old.
Born in Cambridge, she was one of six children raised by the late Lawrence and Florence (McIsaac) McHugh. Claire was raised and educated in Arlington, becoming a graduate of Arlington High School's class of 1948.
She met her beloved husband Walter Duffy while on a double date. They were married in 1955 after dating for nearly 5 years. They were blessed with 49 years of marriage until he passed away in 2006. They moved from Arlington to West Woburn in 1959 to start a family and begin to raise their five children. She was never one to shy away from hosting annual Christmas parties with more food than anyone could eat. Claire loved flowers and owned Arrangements by Claire. For years, she participated in numerous craft fairs, such as the Yarmouth Seaside Festival and the Christmas Canterbury Fair.
One of the many blessings that she and her family shared was their love for Cape Cod. She and Walter were able to purchase their summer home in 1964. They spent their next summers there, finally retiring to their beloved home exclusively in 1996. This house became the setting of many family parties and her grandchildren enjoyed many years of trips to the beach and memories to be cherished for a lifetime.
Claire was the devoted and loving mother of Susan Girard of Woburn, Kevin W. Duffy (Mary) of Reading, Walter TJ Duffy (Joan) of Wilmington, Sheila Duffy of Melissa, TX, and Christopher Duffy (Caroline) of Plantsville, CT. She was the cherished Nana to Laura Gaughan (Paula), Stephanie Ras (Vlad), David Biladeau (Abby), Jace Girard and Ethan Girard, Kevin Duffy Jr., Sean Duffy, Melissa Duffy, Kelly Duffy, Erin Duffy, Matthew Duffy and Liam Duffy. She was blessed to enjoy her 8 great grandchildren, Shayla, Adrianna, Isabella, Brady, Jameson, Destiny, Isaiah, and Bryce. Dear sister of Lawrence McHugh, William McHugh (Maureen), Thomas McHugh (Jane) and Mary McCabe. Predeceased by her sister Eileen Sorenson, her sister-in-law Dorothy McHugh and brothers-in-law Roy Sorenson and James McCabe. Claire is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather for visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Tuesday, March 22nd, from 4 thru 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, Wednesday, March 23rd, at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Claire's memory to Joslin Diabetes Center at www.joslin.harvard.edu.