GILFORD-Claire Lessard Smith, 75, of 31 Cyrus Lane died Thursday morning, June 5, 2014 at Genesis Laconia Center with her beloved family by her side after fighting a long, hard, brave battle with her health.
Claire was born in Jay, Vermont December 7, 1938 the daughter of the late Geremie and Mary (Fillion) Lessard. She was the only person born in Jay, Vermont that year. She was a graduate of Laconia High School class of 1956 in which she remained very active with the class reunions.
After raising her two daughters Claire earned her New Hampshire Real Estate License. She was a Realtor at Coldwell-Banker Steve Weeks Realtors in Laconia where she was a rental agent and a personal assistant. She had also worked for J. B. Maintenance in Gilford as an administrative assistant.
Claire had a true love and zest for life with her family being her greatest joy. She will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor. She enjoyed skiing, tennis, traveling, and entertaining.
Claire is survived by her husband of 57 years James S. Smith of Gilford, two daughters; Jill Ellen Smith and her husband Bill of Gilmanton, and Heidi Ann Smith of Gilmanton; her sister; Rita F. Fortin of Laconia, her grandchildren; Ryan James Smith and his wife Alicia of Gilmanton, Arica Lynn Caldwell and her husband Jacob of Belmont, and Mitchel James Segalini of Gilmanton, her great-grandchildren; Jamison Ruger Caldwell and Colton James Smith. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings; Raymond, Roger, Joseph, Rudy, Gene, Alice, Dorothy, Madeleine, and Patricia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1PM on Monday, June 9, 2014 at St. Andre Bessette Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia. A time to celebrate Claire’s life and visit with her family will immediately follow the funeral mass at the Beane Conference Center, 35 Blueberry Lane, Laconia until 6PM.
According to Claire’s wish please no flowers. Those who wish may make a donation in her memory to the Claire Smith Family Scholarship Fund, C/O: Bank of NH, 62 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.