Claire T. King

EAST PROVIDENCE - "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Confucius. It was clear to anyone who knew Claire Tracy King of East Providence (formerly of West Yarmouth and Chatham, MA) that music brought her immense pleasure that was a joy to witness. Claire passed away peacefully at age 90 on Mother's Day, May 8, 2016, surrounded by family and the music she loved. She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas T. King. They had been married for nearly 66 years at the time of his passing in 2012.

Claire was born on December 27, 1925 in Milton, MA to Norman H. and Blanche H. Tracy and was raised and educated in Newton, MA. She and Doug were teenagers when they met on a Valentine's Day at Newton High School, and were later married in May of 1946.

Claire graduated from Lasell Junior College in 1945 and was a loving and caring mother and homemaker as the family moved from Orono, ME to Natick, MA, Mountainside, NJ, Wellesley, MA, Alexandria, VA and Hudson, OH. She especially enjoyed genealogy and traveling, often accompanying Doug on business trips both within the country and internationally, forming lasting connections with many they met.

In 1984 Claire and Doug retired to Chatham, MA, where they spent many wonderful times with their children and grandchildren, and reconnecting with several of their high school and college friends. They were active members of the First Congregational Church of Chatham and involved in volunteer activities within the community.

In 2008 Claire and Doug moved to the Mayflower Place Retirement Community in West Yarmouth. In 2013, after Doug's passing, Claire moved to The Courtyard Memory Care program at Tockwotton on the Waterfront in East Providence, where she and the family enjoyed many pleasant times.

Claire is survived by her brother, Norman H. Tracy; her son, Richard W. King and his wife Valerie; two daughters, Linda J. King and her husband John Feeney, and Cheryl A. King and her husband Bernard Zimmermann; three grandchildren, Loren Fitzpatrick, Emily Zimmermann and Paul Zimmermann; and two great-grandchildren, Molly and Jack Fitzpatrick. She was predeceased by her brother, Gordon Tracy.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island and its Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, and to the staff at Tockwotton on the Waterfront. Special thanks to Elliott, who played a large part in enriching Claire's days.

A private burial service was held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery. For online condolences and to view a photo gallery, please visit nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers or contributions, you perform a random act of kindness for a stranger.

Arrangements under the direction of Nickerson~Bourne Funeral Home, Sandwich, MA.