Claire D. Rivard

 With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Claire Doris Rivard of Manchester on June 30, 2024 at Mount Carmel Rehab and Nursing Center after a period of declining health. She was 96. Her life was defined by love, dedication and service in her community.

 Claire was born in Manchester on January 19, 1928, the daughter of Edmond and Jeannette (Marcotte) Desmarais. She lived in Manchester her entire life, graduating from Sacred Heart School and working at McQuade’s Department Store for many years. In 1966, she joined the Union Leader Classified Advertising Department and enjoyed a 30-year career. In 1989, Claire received an award of merit and appreciation for 23 years of dedicated service to the NH Auctioneers Association through the medium of the popular Thursday Auction Section in the Weekend Scene.

 Claire also stayed busy knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidering and attending many other craft classes. She was a former member of the Amoskeag Quilters’ Guild for 20 years making quilts for charities, supporting the vendors, guarding quilts and participating in the annual quilt shows. Claire also volunteered extensively within her parishes and in the community and she was well known at craft fairs for her baby blankets and hooded towels!

 She was predeceased by her son, Ronald Rivard, her sister, Irene Plamondon Swist, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ann Desmarais, Roger and Pauline Desmarais and her parents, Edmond and Jeannette Desmarais.

 Those left to cherish her memories include her daughters, Denise Couture and husband Marc of Saco, ME, and Diane O’Meara and husband James of Merrimack, NH. She is further survived by her grandchildren Brandon Rivard, Mandie Sweeney, Matthew (Matea) Couture, Allison (Mark Wurzelbacher) Couture and Karinne Couture, great grandchildren Taylor, Casey and Ella Rivard, Camryn Sweeney, Emily and Isabelle Couture, and great, great grandson Kingston Rivard. In addition, she leaves behind other family and friends.

 Our family extends special thanks to her beloved and dedicated caregivers at Mount Carmel Rehab and Nursing Center who provided unwavering support and affection and always knew when she needed a little extra love and ice cream! Their amazing compassion and care will always be remembered and very much appreciated.

 Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting with arrangements.

 To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.