GLOUCESTER: Claire F. (DeCoste) Papows, 78, died Tuesday, November 23, 2010. She was the wife of the late Walter A. Papows, who died in April of 2006.
Born November 27, 1931, and raised in Gloucester, she was the daughter of the late Abram and Madeline (Silva) DeCoste. She graduated Gloucester High School, Class of ’49, as Head Cheerleader, member of the Girl’s Drill and Rifle Team, and “class cutie.”
Claire was a dedicated and longtime employee of Twin Light Manor Motor Inn and Bass Rocks Ocean Inn. A faithful fan of the Boston Red Sox, she loved to draw, read, and go to Good Harbor Beach with her children.
Claire was a loving mother, who leaves her four children, Steve, husband of Albina (Gentile) Papows, Jeff, husband of Patricia (Nicolosi) Papows, Tammy Adams, and Nancy Papows. She was affectionately known as “Diddle” to her grandchildren, Michael Papows, Douglas, Thomas, and Molly Papows, Gretchen and Hannah Adams, Heidi Hebert, Stacey (Aiello) Capone, and Samantha Aiello. She is also survived by three her sisters, Jackie Williams, Nancy Howard, and Carole Bouchie. She was predeceased by her infant twins, Michael and Michelle. Claire will be missed and forever remembered by loving friends and family.
The Rev. Eugene Alves, a classmate and lifelong friend of Claire’s, will officiate committal services on Monday morning at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in East Gloucester at 10:30 a.m. There are no visiting hours.