LOWELL—Claire M. (McGaughey) Welch, 73 years old, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died Wednesday, February 8th, at Saints Memorial Medical Center. She was the beloved wife of Eugene F. Welch, with whom she celebrated 42 years of marriage in October of last year.
She was born in Lowell, on August 18, 1932, a daughter of the late Henry and Florence (Purtell) McGaughey, and was a graduate of St. Patrick’s Grammar School and Lowell High School.
Mrs. Welch had been employed as a Para-professional by the Lowell School Department for over 17 years working mostly at the Robinson School.
She was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church and held membership in the Women’s Guild of the parish.
Surviving her besides her husband are her three children: Gene and his wife Lauri Welch, of Chelmsford; Bethanne Welch, of Lowell; and Kevin Welch, and his wife Jacqui Danis, of Westford; four grandchildren: Alison, Sarah, Connor, and Dylan Welch; a brother snd sister-in-law: John R. and Mildred McGaughey; a sister-in-law: Eileen McGaughey; two brothers-in-law: James Doherty and Al Giarusso; also many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Doris Giarusso, Thelma McKeon, Robert McGaughey, Mary Lou Doherty, and Paul McGaughey; and sister-in-law of the late Francis McKeon.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Monday, February 13th at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell. Her Funeral Mass to be offered Tuesday, February 14th, at 10 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH. Burial in St Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Mary Lou Doherty Endowment Fund; c/o Lowell Association for the Blind; 174 Central Street; Lowell, MA 01852.