METHUEN – Sr. Claire Vanasse 81 died Monday July 25, 2011 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA.
Sr. Claire, also known as Sr. Therese-du- Cenacle, was born in Holyoke, MA on May 23, 1930, daughter of the late Edward and Noella (Fredette) Vanasse. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in Hudson, NH on July 25, 1949 and pronounced her religious vows on February 2, 1952.
Sr. Claire received a B.ED degree in education from Catholic Teachers College in Providence, RI and a Masters in Administration from Rhode Island College as well as a Certificate in Spirituality from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. During her 59 years as a religious, she was an elementary school teacher, guidance counselor and principal in Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. Sr. Claire was principal at Presentation of Mary Academy from 1974 to 1980 and Development Director at PMA from 1988 to 1991. She was Program Director at Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford, ME from 1996 to 2004. In her retirement years she continued to give retreats and offer spiritual direction to many persons. She was presently on the Rivier College Board of Trustees.
She leaves her two sisters, Annette St. Martin of Holyoke, MA and Constance Robidoux of Granby, MA, several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. at the St. Claire Residence at the Presentation of Mary 209 Lawrence St. Methuen, MA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30a.m. in the Presentation of Mary Chapel with burial in the Presentation of Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence Street Methuen, MA 01844. For directions please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com
MEMORIALS: Can be made to the Presentation of Mary Academy or to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Retirement Fund 209 Lawrence Street Methuen, MA 01844