She was born in Lowell, MA on July 1, 1930, daughter of the late Octave and Blanche (Gauthier) Landry. In 1942, Claire’s family moved to Waterbury, CT, eventually settling in the city’s East End. She attended St. Anne’s Grammar School and graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School in 1948. After graduation, Claire worked as a secretary for Chase Brass and Copper.
Claire was proud of her French-Canadian ancestry, and spoke fluent French as well as English. During her teenage years in Waterbury, Claire displayed a spirit of fun and adventure by roller-skating and dancing to the sounds of the big-band era at the city’s Hamilton Park Pavilion. She also enjoyed hiking in Mattatuck’s Greystone Forest and taking day trips to Manhattan by train with her friends. Claire was known to be a kind woman, with a sweet disposition, a hearty laugh, and a great sense of humor. She had an affinity for nature and for all of God’s creatures.
She married the late Leo F. McHugh, Sr. in 1951, and together they raised seven children in the Fairlawn section of Waterbury, where Claire often took part in neighborhood gatherings and where her children developed life-long friendships. In the early 1970’s, she was active in scouting troops associated with Mill Plain Union Church, serving as a Girl Scout Leader at the former Camp Wequapauset and other troop events. In addition, Claire had a talent for art, and taught ceramics to local area residents while operating a studio out of her home.
In 1985, Claire relocated to her home state of Massachusetts, where she became a resident of West Yarmouth. For many years, her home on Cape Cod served as a gathering spot for friends and family, where her children and grandchildren would often visit. All were welcomed at Claire’s. She enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, the company of others, and a good crossword puzzle. Claire valued her family above all else. The sound of children’s laughter was music to her ears.
Claire was a woman of strong Christian faith, and lived her life with both a warm heart and open mind, embracing others and helping those who were in need, following the teachings of Jesus. She was a member of New Road Church in Hyannis, Mass.
Claire is survived by six children: Mark McHugh and his wife Beth (Gryniuk), of Alpharetta, GA, Richard McHugh and his wife Nora (Michaud), of Waterbury, CT, Lori Spaulding and her husband, Donald, of Terryville, CT, Margaret Anderson and her partner, Gino Azzola, of West Yarmouth, MA, Eileen Tata and her husband Louis, of Mashpee, MA, and Jeffrey McHugh of Hyannis, MA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Diane (Longo) McHugh, of Waterbury, CT. She was predeceased by her son, Leo F. McHugh, Jr. Claire is also survived by her sister, Aline Creel, of Watertown, CT. She was predeceased by her siblings Raymond Landry, and Pauline Creel. Claire leaves 16 grandchildren & 21 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Claire will be held on Friday, February 15, at 4 pm at Doane, Beal & Ames, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis, MA. Interment will be Saturday, February 16, at New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury, CT. at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Claire’s name may be made to New Road Church, 569-c Main street, Hyannis, MA. www.newroadchurch.org, or American Stroke Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.
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