Claire Yvonne Desjardins

Claire was born on August 28, 1933, in Fall River, Massachusetts to parents, Irene and Raymond Normadin. After growing up in Fall River, she married Richard Leon Desjardins, on February 14th, 1953, in Fall River, Massachusetts. During the Korean war, at the age of 17, Claire worked at a factory sewing Pea Coats for the service members.

Claire and Richard moved to East Hampton, Connecticut, and had 3 children Ray, Bob, and Jay. Claire and Richard moved to California in 1961 and had two more children Renee and Rene. Claire was a roller-skating car hop in Burbank for Bob’s Big Boy when they first moved to California. She then worked for Bush's Stationary as a clerk for several years.

Family was everything to Claire and she loved spending time with them. She also enjoyed the company of many friends throughout her years. Claire was in the Verdugo Hills Chapter of the Sweet Adelines organization, singing group for 40 years and travelling the country for competitions, entertaining thousands of spectators and earning multiple wins for excellence. Claire was an avid dancer for years. In her youth, when the Big Band era was thriving, she would go dancing with her sister hitching rides to the local dancing hall. She also was in a Square-Dancing club which she and Richard enjoyed when they moved to California. Claire was also a Girl Scout leader for years when her daughter was younger.

Claire was a faithful follower of God and both Claire and Richard where charter members of St. Clares of Assisi Parish in Canyon Country for over 40 years. For at least 30 plus years they were ushers and greeters at the 7:30 AM mass. After mass they attended Sunday breakfast at various locations with many friends and members of the church. Claire’s husband Richard was a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus and Claire supported her husband by acting as Treasurer and helping plan charitable events with the women’s charter to raise money for the Knights. This included the annual Fish Fry where she and her husband Richard were present every Friday morning to assist with the event during Lent.

Claire was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be missed, and we are all very blessed to have shared this life with her. WE LOVE YOU FOREVER CLAIRE.

Claire is lovingly remembered by her children: her daughter, Renee Westby (Bill); Sons: Raymond Desjardins; Robert Desjardins (Jodi); Richard Jay Desjardins (Lisa); and Rene Desjardins (Kim); She is also survived by her sister Irene Echols as well as 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Claire is preceded in death by her loving husband Richard Desjardins and her brother Raymond Normandine.

Services will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country, CA 91351, on Thursday, March 12, 2026. For those who wish to attend the Rosary it begins at 10:30 AM and Mass will follow at 11 AM.

Graveside service will immediately follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 North Sierra Highway, Newhall, CA 91321.

A private family reception will be held after the graveside service.