Claire Y. (Gelinas) Areia, age 87, entered into eternal rest on May 23, 2020 after a brief illness. She was the widow of Joseph L. Areia with whom she shared 35 years of marriage prior to his passing in 1986, and Manuel “Chick” Pimentel.
Born in Manchester, NH, Claire was the daughter of Roland and Yvonne Gelinas, and lived in New Bedford for most of her life. She was a retired stitcher and member of ILGWU and worked in various shops including Kay Windsor. She ran a tailoring business out of her home following her retirement. She was also a lunch-room aide at Dunbar School for a few years.
Claire was a selfless caregiver to many members of her family including her late daughter Sharon, who had special needs. She was very proud of her three daughters’ accomplishments and took great pleasure in her yard and garden. She enjoyed coloring mandalas, jigsaw puzzles, reading and being by the water. She was an avid Red Sox fan and watched every televised game they played. Most of all she enjoyed following her cherished grandchildren’s sporting and school events. She was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
She is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Oliveira and her husband Bruce of New Bedford; and Lori LeValley and her husband Paul of Acushnet; her sister-in-law, Beatrice Powers of New Bedford (who was like a daughter to her); granddaughter Karen Glover and her husband Charles of Freetown; grandson Kevin Oliveira and his significant other Chelsy Choquette; and a great-grandson Liam Glover. She also leaves two godchildren; Linda Plaud of Rochester and Lynne Maggio of Pennsylvania, along with nieces and a nephew in New Jersey. She will desperately be missed by her dog, Buddy and her grand-dog Angus.
She was predeceased by her parents, husbands, daughter Sharon, and sister Lorraine Pelletier Santos.
Her funeral and burial were private. Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, Claire’s family will celebrate with a Memorial Mass and remembrance of her life at a later date. Arrangements were by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. To leave a note of condolence: www.saundersdwyer.com.