Claire M. (Lynch) Perry, 90, passed away peacefully on August 10th surrounded by her family. She leaves her four children, Michele M. Perry-Boucher and her husband, Joe of Bristol NH, Daniel J. Perry and his wife, Beth of Scarborough, ME, Mary-Kate Perry of Worcester, and William L. Perry and his wife, Allison of Cromwell, CT; her loving grandchildren, Katie Perry, Cameron Boucher, Maura Perry, Abby Perry, Courtney Boucher, Hannah Perry, and Rachel Perry; her brother-in-law, James Ronald Perry; sister-in-law, Jean Ablondi; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves dear friends that she considered family including, Ellie Clifford, Janet Leroux, Helen Fitzgerald, and Mary Lou Cobill. Claire was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, John P. Perry; her parents, William and Abbie (Donahue) Lynch; her brother, William Lynch; her sister, Eileen Lynch; her brother-in-law, Robert Ablondi; sister-in-law, Maria (Triola) Perry; her Henshaw Street neighbors; and Wyman’s Spa friends.
A graduate of Ascension High School and Worcester State Teachers College, Claire started her career as a teacher in the Auburn School system before retiring to raise her family. She later returned to teaching ESL at Canterbury Street School. A woman of great faith and a true lover of life, she had many passions including knitting, adventures with the Wyman Spa gang, traveling the globe with the "Golden Girls", cheering on her beloved Boston Red Sox and Woo Sox, and being on her front porch with her neighbors.
A pillar of the city of Worcester, Claire was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, a founding member of the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, a coach of the Ty Cobb Senior Girls Softball State Champions, a member of the Providence Guild, and a volunteer knitter for local hospitals. Claire’s second family was the Worcester Senior Center. There she cherished her knitting group and her fitness classes with Joe Fish.
Claire’s funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 19th beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Please go directly to church. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street, Worcester. There are no calling hours. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of Worcester’s Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Box 3, Worcester MA 01604.