Claire Lauretta Guay (lovingly referred to by family as Memére), age 94, was born on July 6, 1928 in Fall River, Massachusetts. She passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 peacefully in her sleep in Somerset, Massachusetts.
Daughter of Armand E. Hetu and Clara (Deslauriers) Hetu, she was the eldest of four children. She was predeceased by the second eldest daughter Pauline Cormier (November 2, 1930 – May 2, 2014) and youngest child and only brother, Raymond Hetu (May 17, 1942 - Dec 16, 2014). She is survived by her younger sister, Vivian Polak. She is also survived by her three children, Raymond Guay of Swansea, MA, Gene Guay of Westport, MA, and Anne-Marie Firestone, of Plymouth, MA.
Claire was a devout Catholic, and enjoyed attending mass at St John the Baptist Church in Westport, Massachusetts. She was also a talented seamstress, skilled at embroidery and knitting. She found joy in cooking for family, and would always bring a delicious dish to any party. In her younger years, she worked as a key-punch operator and bank teller, later retiring to help raise her grandchildren.
Claire was a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She spent much of her life dedicated to raising her children, and then helping them care for and raise their families. She was a true matriarch and support system for her entire family, and never missed a dance recital, school play, cookout, Christmas mass or baptism. Claire will be deeply missed but leaves behind a legacy of her beautiful family and countless cherished memories.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, June 16, 2023 from the Potter Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 5 - 8 P.M.
Entombment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to FriendshipWorks, a non-profit organization aiming to enhance quality of life for the elderly, particularly those without a strong support system of family and friends. The organization provides friendship, advocacy, education, assistance, and emotional support.
Link: fw4elders.org