Claire V. Morrissette

AUBURN -Claire V. Morrissette, age 82, wife of Dr. George Morrissette of 140 Russell St. Lewiston Maine passed away on August 28, 2023 at the Androscoggin Hospice House of complications of Multiple Sclerosis.

Claire was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, and strong advocate for people with disabilities.

Claire was born April 4th, 1941 to Adrien and Yvonne Violette. Claire grew up in Augusta and attended Marie Joseph Academy in Biddeford Pool Maine. Her parents were both mill workers and her mother was an excellent seamstress who took pride in their presentation. Her parents made education a priority. Claire and her sister Mariette were known as 2 of the best dressed girls in the “Sand Hill" neighborhood of Augusta. Claire had a remarkable poise that never waned.

After graduating high school Claire went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Southern Maine. She started dating her future husband, Dr George Morrissette in 1969, and they married July 4th 1970 and raised 2 children together. Claire is survived by her husband Dr. George Morrissette, daughter Maria Grenier-Morrissette and wife Karen of Portland, son Dr. Gregory Morrissette of South Portland Maine and a sister Mariette Lambert of Kennebunk Maine and several grandchildren - Reeve, Meya, Alyssa and Evan along with a bundle of nieces and nephews.

Claire had a long difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was courageous and continued to make adjustments enjoying the best of life. She was diagnosed with chronic progressive MS in 1980 for which there was no adequate treatment available then or even today. She soon became an active member of the Maine MS society and authored the book "Hope for US" expressing her experience with lifestyle changes and alternative medical therapies.

In 1989 Claire became clinically disabled from MS. She channeled her energy advocating for people with disabilities and the local MS society. Claire was a proponent of self-healing and strongly believed that one's mindset and energy can contribute to healing. Early in her life she was a yoga instructor and continued to do yoga and meditation. Meditation was a strong part of her life and coping with her disabilities. Claire loved to be near the sea and breathe in the ocean air, since her early days at Biddeford Pool.

In addition to being an advocate for others, she was also very financially self-educated and a proponent for sharing that knowledge with others. She authored a monthly financial newsletter called "Claire's Money Talk" sharing key aspects of investing and overall financial literacy. Claire also made sure her children started their IRA retirement accounts when they turned 18 offering them the best financial head start.

Claire loved playing cribbage, scrabble and keeping her brain sharp doing crossword puzzles and jumble. She was still playing jumble up until her last days in hospice. In addition, Claire was an avid reader. She was most often reading history, English monarchy, and current events. She was always up to date with the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and in her final years was one of their biggest fans. In her spare time, she would find humor in the latest tabloid magazine.

Claire was a dedicated mother and made numerous sacrifices for both her children. She always made you feel loved and appreciated even while she was going through her personal struggles. "Thank you ever so much" was her coined phrase. She was her children's greatest advocate and pushed them to be and do their best.

Claire was a very supportive and loving grandmother. She was able to share her sense of humor in the most difficult of circumstances. Her grandchildren will remember her always having a smile and cheery disposition along with the amazing memories shared at our family dinners.

Those who knew Claire knew her as an incredibly kind and caring person. They also knew she would stand her ground. Claire has touched many people’s lives with her legacy of strength, resilience, fierce independence, determination, personal courage, compassion, love, and loyalty.

Claire has been the beneficiary of many professional caregivers in the Greater Lewiston/Auburn area over the years.

Her spirit will live on in those who had the pleasure to know her well. Claire established lasting friendships and was blessed with so much love around her. Claire and her family were and are greatly appreciative to all the wonderful individuals who touched our lives and made her life's journey as long and pleasant as possible.

There will be a visitation Thursday Sept 14 at 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Pinnette Dillingham and Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred A Plourde PKYW Lewiston ME 04240

A Mass of Christian burial honoring Claire’s lofe will be celebrated Friday Sept 15 at 11am St Philip Church 2365 Turner Rd Auburn ME 04210. A reception in St, Philip’s Church Hall will follow after the Mass.

The burial will be Monday Sept 18 at 10am at Maine Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery - Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta ME 04330

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.lynchbrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National MS Society in Claire’s name at

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/.