Claire Madonna Smith

Claire Madonna (Crepeau) Smith passed gently into eternal life surrounded by her loving family.  She was the daughter of the late Maurice and Doris (Laramee) Crepeau and the wife of Matthew J. Smith, who devoutly cared for her through her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Claire and Matt’s 58-year marriage was one of unselfish love that was steadfast in both happy and difficult times.  A woman of profound Catholic Faith and practice, it was appropriate that they first met at a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) regional meeting.  She is survived by two brothers, Normand and Paul Crepeau, and her sister-in-law, Rose Ellen Reynolds.  She was predeceased by her brother, Ronald Crepeau-Cross.

Claire was the cherished mother of four children: Matthew (Donna), Andrew (Amy), Daniel (Karalyn), and Kathleen (Matthew).  These children, in turn, brought into Claire’s maternal care nine special grandchildren, who affectionately dubbed her the “Good Memere”, in honor of her French-Canadian heritage: Ryan, Declan, Cormac, Owen, Kieran, Abigail, Kristiana, Daniel, and Marie Claire. 

Claire put her Faith into action through community service at St. Matthew School and Church, St. Francis Chapel, and the Church of St. Augustine, where she joyfully served as a CCD teacher to elementary school children.  Claire strongly valued the dignity of human life, as exemplified by her pro-life work and her conscientious and compassionate advocacy for the elderly.  She was an honors graduate of St. Claire’s High School in Woonsocket.  Claire went on to become a skilled phlebotomist at St. Joseph Hospital.  She enjoyed cross-country skiing, traveling, painting and drawing—the best expression of her artistic vision and talent is the home she designed where Claire and the family enjoyed many treasured moments together.

Visitation hours will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 8 at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI 02886.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 9 at the Church of St. Augustine, 639 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the RI Right to Life Committee, 266 Smith Street, Providence, RI, 02908, or Hope Hospice of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, in Claire’s memory are appreciated.