Claire Smallcomb, born November 11, 1966, passed away on Saturday, January 31st — and if she had any say in it, she probably would have scheduled it more conveniently and told everyone not to make a fuss.
Claire was the kind of person who would be the first to show up when a friend needed help — no questions asked — and also the first to call the building department if construction started even one minute before 7:00 a.m. She believed deeply in doing the right thing, following the rules (especially when others weren’t), and making sure everyone else did too.
A proud South Boston resident, Claire was truly the life of the party. She had a gift for making people laugh, often without even trying. When Claire laughed, everyone laughed — whether they knew the joke or not. She never met a stranger, only people she hadn’t given a nickname to yet. And once she did, that nickname usually stuck, whether you liked it or not.
Claire had a huge heart and a sharp sense of humor. She delighted in people, stories, and shared moments, and she made even ordinary days feel a little louder, warmer, and more fun. She survived more than most, and she did it with grit, sarcasm, and style — never asking for sympathy, but always offering loyalty.
Claire dedicated 34 years to public service, a career she took seriously, even when she didn’t take much else that way. She is survived by Thomas Smallcomb, Paula Smallcomb, Beverly Alsheimer, Michael Smallcomb, Jeanne Smallcomb, and Dan Smallcomb, all of whom she loved fiercely. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Cahill, and now joins her beloved mother in heaven — no doubt already organizing things and keeping everyone in line. She also leaves behind her best friend, Sue, who shared countless laughs, stories, and memories with Claire, and who truly understood her better than anyone.
Claire will be remembered for her humor, her loyalty, her larger-than-life personality, and her ability to make people feel seen, included, and entertained. The world is quieter without her — and that’s probably how she would want it noted.
Services will be private. Donations in Claire’s name can be sent to the Woods Mullen shelter in Boston. The work they did was very close to Claire’s heart.
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