Claire A. Flynn, age 75, of Hidden Bay, South Dartmouth, formerly of Mattapoisett, died on Monday July 25, 2016 after a courageous fight against cancer. She was the devoted wife of the late Joseph Flynn, and dedicated mother of Joseph, Jr. and Margaret, and cherished grandmother of Deirdre and Brighid. Claire was a daughter of the late Eugene and Donalda Boivin, and is survived by her sister, Diane Sullivan.
Claire was born in Rumford, Maine on July 14, 1941. She was graduated from Stephens High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Spanish from Regis College. Claire’s career in public education began in 1963, teaching at Brockton High School. After leaving public education to raise a family, she returned to teaching at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School and later moved to Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. She subsequently joined the teaching staff of Old Rochester Regional High School (ORRHS) and taught French, Spanish, and World History over the course of her career there. She was actively involved with the American Field Service Intercultural Program at ORRHS, participating in numerous cultural experiences and field trips with fellow colleagues, foreign exchange students, and hosting family students at ORRHS.
Upon her retirement from ORRHS in 1998, Claire took great pleasure in family events and activities and delighted in good conversation, usually sparked by the most recent book she enjoyed. Additionally, she was an inveterate traveler who frequented the Caribbean and Marco Island, FL. She volunteered as a patient advocate at St. Luke’s Hospital and most recently volunteered as a teacher assistant at Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford.
At Claire's request, funeral services will be private. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Claire’s name may be made to the Nativity Preparatory School, 66 Spring Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
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A Special Message of Thanks from Claire's Family
Claire’s family would like to thank the Hidden Bay Community and the South Dartmouth community who were so kind and helpful for the last two years. We especially remember the “ride angels” and the “bed angels” for their assistance.
We all know Claire had food challenges in the last year. She enjoyed the Café Italia evenings even when she could not fully participate. We remember Claire’s very high standards regarding food intake. Worthy was her highest compliment when she tasted something unusually good. Invariably, that item was made from scratch! Thank you to those “homemade angels!”
So many of you gave of your time to sit and visit with her during those difficult hours at the oncology center. You all know who you are. Please accept these heartfelt thanks from her family.
Elle envoie sa joie de vivre a tous ses amis!