Claire Grise Ezequelle

Born in Chicopee, Ma. to Lucien and Yvonne Tremblay, on November 24, 1930, mom was 94, and was predeceased by her two sisters, Loraine Tremblay and Joanne Stolar, daughter, Anne Wanzyk, and husband, Clifford Ezequelle.

Claire is survived by her children: Dan and (Marcia) Grise, Mike and (Paula) Grise, Lori Brunelle. Her grandchildren: Deanne Grise, Christy Robinson, Michael Jr., Christopher and Carley Grise, Corrine and Lucien Brunelle; and great-grandchildren: Noah Brunelle and Rebecca and Jacob Gant. Her brother Dennis and (Lourdes) Tremblay,

She attended local schools in Chicopee, Mass, and graduated from Notre Dame High in Central Falls, Rhode Island, where French was her first language. Meme’ and Pepe’ relocated from Canada to work in the textile mills in Chicopee where Loraine and mom were born. Then, Meme’ and Pepe’ purchased a poultry farm and moved the family to Attleboro, Mass, and Claire and Loraine worked the farm as well and together they grew it to 5,000 chickens.

It was in Attleboro that Claire met and married Francis Grise. After they were married they moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Francis was stationed at Lackland Air Force base and mom had her first daughter, Anne. After his discharge, they relocated to Danbury, CT, where Dan, Lori, and Michael were born. She worked as the lead cook at the Oasis restaurant in Danbury, then later as a dietary cook at Danbury Hospital’s main cafeteria. Her meals were fantastic and her work was tireless.

Mom was a deeply devoted working mother, who single handedly raised 5 children. Also, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, mom put everything into caring for her family. She was a pack 33 Cub-Scout den-mother and a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s parish in Danbury. Mom taught CCD and attended bible study groups to grow her faith and knowledge of scriptures. She passed along her faith to her children and learned to play the acoustic guitar performing at folk masses.

Extremely devoted to her family, mom was the glue that held us together, and all the neighborhood kids knew her well. In retirement, she traveled on cruises, and enjoyed spending time with her great-granddaughter, Rebecca. She was an avid reader for years and continued to study the bible.

Later in life, Deanne was her primary caregiver and together they had great fun. All through her life, her faith and her rosary were her strength, and she used it daily to guide her and the family. Her tender smile and greeting lit up the room of everyone she met, but she could be tough as nails when needed. Mom had a heart of gold, and her strongest trait was empathy. She always put others ahead of her own needs and was loved by everyone she met. We will surely miss her love and guidance, and her terrific character will forever be in our hearts and minds. One thing is certain, heaven is getting a very great soul today.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at St. Joseph Church in Danbury, CT.

There are no calling hours.

Please omit flowers. Contributions in Claire's memory may be made to St. Joseph Church, 8 Robinson Ave., Danbury, CT 06810 or to Regional Hospice of Western CT, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.

Arrangements by Green Funeral Home, Danbury, CT.