Claire Elizabeth (Delorey) Whitten, of Falmouth, MA, originally from Braintree, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family.
Claire was the beloved wife of Elliot R. Whitten, to whom she was married for 62 years. Claire is survived by her five loving children, Judith C. Whitten of Plymouth, E. Robert (Bob) Whitten of Quincy, Jill E. Coyle and her husband John of Braintree, Jane E. Southerland and her husband Brian of Plymouth and Janine C. Petralia and her husband Marc of Mashpee. Claire’s pride and joy, who she loved with all her heart, were her five grandchildren, Jacquelyn (Petralia) Ferrari and her husband Graham, Erica Petralia, Ryan Whitten, Colin Foley, Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Southerland, Jr. and her month-old great grandson, Nicholas Drew Ferrari. Claire was predeceased by her parents Nora (McEnelly) and Alfred (Lovey) Delorey and her brother Robert W. Delorey. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Claire graduated from Braintree High School, Class of 1952, where she was a proud cheerleader and played multiple sports. She loved getting together with her high school friends and was on her reunion committee for many years. She also loved dancing and took tap dancing lessons after retiring to Falmouth. She worked in the Braintree school system for many years as a secretary and a cafeteria worker. Claire’s life was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren who she loved taking on family trips.
Burial will be private. A mass in Claire’s memory will be held Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi, 850 Washington St., Braintree, MA. Claire wished to establish a scholarship fund for a deserving Braintree High School graduating senior.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Claire may be made to the Claire Delorey Whitten Memorial Scholarship, c/o Jill Coyle, 83 Parkside Ave., Braintree, MA 02184.