Claire F. Bonneau

Claire F. Bonneau, 100, of Dracut, MA, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in the presence of her beloved family. 

Claire was born in Lawrence, MA, on Oct. 3, 1923, the daughter of James and Florence Manock. She graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1938 and Bryant McIntosh College, also in Lawrence.

Claire was employed in the Lawrence Mills during World War II. She then went on to work at St. Patrick’s School in Lawrence.

Claire recently celebrated her 100th birthday with an exclusive party at the Grazie Restaurant, Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, hosted by her daughter, Melissa Chabot-Bonneau. Claire felt honored and couldn’t believe all the people who had come to share her special centennial anniversary.

Going to the beach, getting her feet in the water, collecting sea shells and breathing in the fresh ocean air were things Claire loved to do. She also loved dancing, especially the cha cha. Claire also enjoyed going to different parks and restaurants, meeting new people and going to the senior center for the parties they had. She loved planting flowers and feeding the birds in her yard. She even learned how to FaceTime just so she could communicate with her grandson Russell in California.

If you met Claire, then you have probably heard some of her most famous sayings, such as “Feed the birds and you will never go hungry.” Also, “If you can’t be good, be careful and if you can’t be careful, then be damn good at it.”

Family members include her daughter Melissa Chabot-Bonneau who she lived with, and her companion Albert Rizzo, Jr.; her daughter Cynthia C. Ciofolo and her companion Richard Boutin; her grandson Russell Ciofolo; Marilyn Marique and her son Richard Marique. As well as many nieces and nephews and, of course, Rizzly, her loyal service dog. 

Claire was predeceased by her loving husband Russell A. Bonneau, sisters Rose Ouellette and Dorothy Oriola, and brother James Manock.

A special thank you for all the wonderful care Claire received from CNAs Fideris, Edith, Carmen, Bendu, Debbie, Anita and Marlene; from AgeSpan Hector and Michelle; and from Right At Home Julie, Kelly and Nurse Diane.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday May 16, 2024 from 9 am to 11 am at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 11:00 am on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Andover. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Claire’s name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or AgeSpan in Lawrence, MA. To leave an expression of condolence, please visit Claire’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com. 

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