Claire A. Braley, 94, of Dartmouth, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven. Born in 1932 in New Bedford, daughter of the late Adelard and Agnes (St. Pierre) Jacques, she lived most of her life in Acushnet before moving to Dartmouth.
Claire was the proud proprietor of Claire's Seafood Restaurant. She also worked in the cafeteria at Potter School and Dartmouth High School, and in earlier years was employed at Titleist in the golf ball division.
Above all else, family was the center of Claire’s life. She cherished family gatherings and found her greatest joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren, creating the kind of closeness that becomes a lasting legacy. Her love was expressed in everyday ways—through cooking, through shared meals, and through the simple gift of being present. She also enjoyed traveling and trips to the casinos. A woman of strong faith, Claire was a longtime communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church.
Claire was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald A. Braley, who passed away in 2021. She is survived by her children: Donna Dufresne and her husband Edmund; Linda Belliveau and her husband Robert; Allen Braley and his wife Cynthia; Wayne Braley and his wife Susan; and Jayne Peitavino. She also leaves fourteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Claire was predeceased by her siblings, Jeanne Lefevre, Adelard Jacques, Jr., Constance Grimes and Dianne Jacques.
Visitation will be held at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd, Dartmouth, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in Claire's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
