LOVED AND CHERISHED BY HER FAMILY
Claire A. (Jefferson) Connell, 75, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at the Kaplan Family Hospice house in Danvers. She was the devoted wife of the late John D. Connell. She was a beloved wife, loving mother and adoring grandmother.
Born and raised in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Alfred J. and Rose Anna (Pelletier) Jefferson. As a young woman, and prior to her marriage, she worked for Sylvania. However; Claire’s true legacy was her family and the strength, dignity and wisdom with which she lived her life. To her grateful family she was a precious gift who always gave the very best of herself. Affectionately called ‘Mem Mem,’ by her treasured grandchildren, she will be greatly missed and will always be held close to their hearts.
Claire is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Steele and her husband Thomas of Peabody, Linda M. Connell, Tina P. Connell, Judith Connell-Borden and her husband Robert Borden all of Salem, two sisters, Jacqueline Haley of Harrison, ME, Pauline Russell of Jenson Beach, Florida and sister-in-law Joanne Jefferson of Leesburg, Florida. She also leaves four grandchildren, Chelsea & Madison Borden, Michael & Kaylee Steele as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Thomas D. Connell, brothers, Alfred J. Jefferson, Jr. & Norman Jefferson and sister, Dolores Arpin.
Private funeral services are being planned. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. For guestbook please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com