Claire A. (Burke) Thompson

Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late John A. Burke, Sr. and Laura (Driscoll) Burke, she was a lifelong resident of Swansea and summered in Little Compton for many years. She was a graduate of Joseph Case High School, class of 1943 and Allen’s Business School, 1945. Mrs. Thompson worked as a secretary for the former Firestone Tire and Rubber for 38 years, retiring in 1981.

She was a communicant of the former St. Michael’s Church, now St. Francis of Assisi and a member of it’s Women’s Club – formerly Our Lady of Fatima. A longtime volunteer at Charlton Memorial Hospital, she was a member and past president of its’ Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Fall River Women’s Club, Elephant Rock Beach Club and the Acoaxet Club. An accomplished bowler, she was a member of the Firestone Bowling League.

Surviving in addition to her husband: five nephews-William M. Burke, Jr., Michael Burke, John A. Burke, III, Peter J. Burke Swansea Fire Chief and Paul C. Burke, several cousins including- Joan, Daniel, Barbara, Raymond and Paula. She was sister of the late William M. Burke, Sr. and John A. Burke, Jr. and Aunt of the late Anne Marie Burke.

Her funeral will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 9:00 AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT BIRCHCREST, 189 Gardners Neck Rd. with a funeral mass at 10:00 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Rd. Swansea. Visiting hours Tuesday 3-6 PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to Charlton Memorial Women’s Auxiliary, c/o Barbara Mulvey, 363 Highland Ave. Fall River 02720. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery Fall River.