Elsie E. (Smith) Claus, 104, died Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Nevins Nursing & Retirement Centre, Methuen, MA.

Elsie was born in North Andover, MA on June 12, 1912 to James and Elsie (Howarth) Smith. Elsie worked in the textile mills of Lawrence and Brockleman's Bakery. She played violin in the Calvary Baptist Philharmonic Orchestra. Mrs. Claus was a member of the former South Congregational Church for over 50 years. She was also a member of the choir and Church World Services making sweaters and slippers for the poor and needy of Lawrence.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Atty. Henry P. Claus. She leaves her son Henry P. Claus, Jr. and his wife Claire Martineau of Methuen and her daughter Noreen E. Erler, widow of her husband Joel of Conway, SC; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. Burial will take place in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence. Donations in her memory may be made to The Nevins Nursing & Retirement Centre, 10 Ingalls Court, Methuen, MA 01844. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com

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