Claire Eva (Shirton) Cavanaugh

Claire Eva (Shirton) Cavanaugh  - Methuen, MA Passed away peacefully surrounded by family and the loving staff at Holy Family Hospital . on June 5, 2025. Claire was a longtime resident of Methuen, Graduated from Bryant-McIntosh School of Business. She had an extensive work history. Starting with Methuen International Mills, secretary at Nevins Nursing Home, First Church Congregational, she then worked at Lawrence District Court until she retired.

Claire gave her family and friends 95 years. She enjoyed baking, knitting and line dancing. She was a long time member of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Claire joins her husband William J. Cavanaugh, daughters Linda S. Kennedy, Carol A. Charest, Dianne L. Kipnis, parents George & Martha Shirton, sister Phyllis Sidon brothers Walter Shirton, James Shirton, and neice Lisa Shirton and beloved companion Manny Quintal.

She is survived by her daughters  Nancy Weisenborn  and husband Reggie Weisenborn, Susan Iacono and husband Carlo Iacono, son’s-in-law Bradford Kennedy and wife Maura , Gerald Charest and wife Linda. Sister-in-law Ellie Shirton. Nephews David Sidon and wife Christine, James Sidon and wife Marlene, James Shirton and wife Leah.  Nieces Cathy Day and husband Joe, Tami Mailloux , Brenda Torres and husband Jose, Joyce Shirton, Lori  Firth and husband Allen.  Grandchildren Wade Kennedy and wife Jenn, Aoife Kennedy, Karen Currier and husband Edward, Nicole Lajoie and partner Jacob, Mark Lajoie,  David Charest and wife Maurisa, Beth Wallace and husband Michael, Evan Charest and wife Katherine, Jared Weisenborn and wife Kate, Joshua Weisenborn and wife Alison, Sarah Weisenborn and partner Vladimir Ustariz.  Great grandchildren Maeve, Isabella, Joseph, Lee Ann, Patrick, Emily, Jonnie, Mia, William, Kai, Layla. Claire held a special place in her heart for Granddaughter Karen Currier who she thought of as a daughter. Claire was blessed to have many loving friends and neighbors that she enjoyed spending time with.

Family would like to thank the staff at AgeSpan and all her home health aides especially Gracie and Rosa who took such loving care of Claire.

Calling hours are Tuesday June 10th from 9 – 11 AM at Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway Metheun, MA 01844. A service to follow the calling hours at the funeral home at 11 AM. Burial will follow the funeral service in Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 90 Broadway, Methuen MA 01844. Please visit www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com for directions, or to sign the online guest book.

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