Claire (Richards) Chase of Cohasset, formerly of Brockton and Scituate, died peacefully on October 8, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family and caregivers. She was 100 years old.
Claire Chase will be remembered as a principled, humble, and strong woman who graciously shared her wisdom and gifts in the way she lived her life. Her family was a priority. She proudly excelled in her role as a homemaker and created a loving and welcoming home for her husband and eleven children, as well as many grandchildren, friends, and neighbors.
The doors of her well organized and nurturing home were always open to everyone. Each school day, eleven brown lunch bags lined the kitchen counter filled with individual favorites including the infamous “mimi brownies”. Her table welcomed all, from presidential candidates to those who helped her with household chores. She recognized the value of services that others provided to her home and insisted on acknowledging the importance of their work.
Well educated, intelligent and contemplative, Claire encouraged lively discussion. She was always willing to share and defend her opinions and suggestions. She was uncompromising in her political and religious beliefs – a staunch advocate for social justice and an outspoken proponent of true equality for women, whether it be in the workplace or in the church. She was as capable of commanding the attention of a board room as she was a classroom full of students or her own dining room table .
A gentle woman who made a powerful impact on many in quiet and subtle ways, Claire was intentional and attentive in the time she spent with those in her company. A master of the lost art of letter writing, her hand written “Words to Live By” books, cards, and notes remembered birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and special occasions. A heartfelt note or word of encouragement brightened the day of many people.
Claire’s spirituality ran deep. Her prayer life was enriched by her friendships and her active participation in her faith community at Glastonbury Abbey. Her strong faith was the compass that guided her daily life. She dedicated herself to do God’s work on this earth. Wherever she saw a need, she quietly and generously filled it. Her legacy of one hundred years was one of grace, generosity, love and purpose.
Born and raised in North Attleboro, she was a 1943 graduate of Rhode Island College and received her Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University in 1945.
Claire was a former member of the Executive Board of Catholic Charities of the Old Colony area; Executive Board member and Chairperson of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston; founder of The Guild of Catholic Charities of the Old Colony area; former board member of The Charity Guild, Inc. of Brockton; and former board member of Alice’s House, Humarock.
Claire was the beloved wife for 56 years of the late Edward L. Chase. She is survived by her children, Peter (Kathleen) of Bridgewater; Mark (Laura) of Scituate; Janet Gibson (Donald) of Marshfield; Stephen (Stephanie) of Scituate; Mary Claire of Cohasset; Jean of Hobe Sound, FL; Sarah of Scituate; Caroline Condon (William) of Scituate; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons Richard, Christopher and Andrew.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Claire’s life will be held on Monday, October 24 at 10 a.m. at Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA. Live stream available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtsJhtVxdWH1HRnLlda9KAQ/featured
Interment is private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Glastonbury Abbey, Hingham (glastonburyabbey.org) and Alice’s House, P.O. Box 681, Humarock, MA 02047 (www.aliceshouse.org).