Claire M. O'Toole

Claire M. (Reiss) O’Toole, 98, of East Freetown passed peacefully from this world to greet her beloved husband, John J. O’Toole, in the next on October 15, 2024, leaving a legacy of love and devotion to her family and community.

She leaves her loving family of 9 children, John O’Toole (Sheila), Anne Norman (Rich), Paul O’Toole (Lisa), Mary Zanchi (Joe), Christopher O’Toole (Susan), Maureen Barrett, Margaret O’Toole, Timothy O’Toole (Marjory) and Kathleen Williams (Tim), 21 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, Christopher Norman and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth “Liz" O’Toole.

Claire was born in Boston in February of 1926. The daughter of the late Otto and Gertrude (Keenan) Reiss, she grew up in Dorchester, MA. She often spent summers on Nantasket Beach, where she developed a lifelong love of the ocean. She took her last dip in the water at age 97 in Key West!

After graduating from Emmanuel College, Claire earned her Master’s degree at Boston College where she met the love of her life, John J. O’Toole of Merrill, MI. Both worked as dedicated social workers for most of their lives, always going above and beyond for those they cared for. Claire and John lived their faith and were always involved in their church community, as well as the Cursillo and Emmaus communities. Both Claire and John received the Marian Medal for their service to others.

Claire was a talented watercolor artist and a skilled dancer, often grabbing the nearest child or grandchild as a partner. She was also a competitive and strategic game player, excelling at Rumicub and Ticket to Ride!

Claire loved feeding and watching her birds, and finally grew to tolerate the squirrels, but not before firing off a few BBs to scare them away from the bird feeders.

Mom was an orchid whisperer and filled her house with plants. Claire loved traveling when she was able, and shared wonderful trips with her children and others – annual road trips to Maine, visits to Hawaii, and summer vacations on Martha’s Vineyard.

Mom was our recipe consultant, our personal tailor, and an expert on how to get any stain out. She was a master at making Bailey’s, as well as preparing her specialty, marinated chicken wings – yum! Mom loved sharing a glass of chardonnay at dinner and having a bite of chocolate from her stash. “I can always eat,” Mom would say, as she enjoyed her lobster or steamers. She was also the person you called when you needed good advice and some comfort in tough times.

One of Claire’s favorite things was sharing a strong cup of coffee, a big breakfast, and some good conversation with whoever stayed over the night before – her “coffee klatch.” Before you left the house, you had to “check the table,” a table in the dining room that became a trading post for all family members, full of clothes and books and left behind items from a visit.

Every visit ended with the front door wave. She would insist on wheeling out to the front door where she would wave until you were out of sight.

Those whose lives Claire Marie O’Toole touched will miss her greatly but are grateful for having known her. Mom, we’ll see you again with the help of God.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4-7 pm, at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9am at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown. Burial to follow in the Acushnet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: The Christopher Norman Educational Fund, c/o MGHIP, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 1st Ave., Boston, MA 02129.