Salem
Claire M. (Castonguay) Blanchette, 76, of Salem, passed away on March 28, 2020 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, following a long illness. She was the devoted wife of the late Raymond Blanchette.
Born and raised in Salem, she was the daughter of the late J. Lucien and Rita M.L. (Bosse) Castonguay. She was a graduate of both the grammar and high schools of Ste. Chretienne Academy, Class of ’62. As a young girl, Claire spent many summers in Vermont with her aunt and uncle and their daughter. Following her graduation, she began her career as a switchboard operator for Salem Hospital, a job she loved and was extremely dedicated to. During these early years, she traveled Europe; including Germany, Switzerland and India. Claire remained in telecommunications for North Shore Medical Center for 56 years until her retirement in 2019 due to illness.
Claire loved the outdoors and nature. She and her husband Ray enjoyed camping out in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine with their Recreational Vehicle. She was devoted to her faith and more recently was a communicant of the St. John Paul II Devine Mercy Shrine.
Claire was also devoted to her aunts, uncles and cousins and is survived by her sister-in-law Donna Castonguay of Colorado, several cousins and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Ste Anne Church followed by her committal service in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. Due to the current pandemic her services will be private. Those attending must wear protective face coverings and social distance. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to the St. John Paul II Shrine of Devine Mercy, 28 St. Peter St., Salem, MA 01970. Assisting her family with arrangements is the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. For guestbook, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com