Claire Jeanne Gonsalves

Claire was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a first-generation American born to French-Canadian parents.

Claire's childhood was filled with movies and music. She and her mother would go to the theatre three times a week to see all the latest films. As a child, Claire often sang and danced in local New Bedford community shows. She was a remarkable vocalist and entertained the idea of becoming a professional singer.

Claire would often recount her fondest childhood memories of walking home late at night, huddled close to her mother after visiting their large French family, and playing street games like hopscotch and marbles with the local neighborhood kids.

Claire was an avid and excellent card player. As a child, she was taught to play blackjack by her father to win her spending money. Claire would continue playing cards as a social activity, often hosting friends to come over and play for a nickel game.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Claire's family struggled to make ends meet and had little money for toys, so Claire focused her energy on games and activities. One activity, table tennis, would lead her to meet the love of her life and future husband, Alfred Gonsalves. Claire kept her table tennis skills sharp throughout her life, as many would learn after challenging and being defeated by her penholder grip.

Claire would give birth to a baby girl named Kathleen on New Year's Day, followed by their second child, a baby boy named Stephen. The children were raised in a small cold-water flat until 1954, when Alfred finished constructing their new home in Acushnet. This home, which Alfred built with his own hands, would become their forever home of 69 years.

Claire was a woman of many talents and many jobs. She worked as a supermarket bookkeeper, as a salesperson at Arlan's Department Store and Mars Bargainland, in the bakery at Boston Public Market, and as a waitress at Wimpy's. She owned a card shop and a successful catering business making whip cream cakes. She retired, in her 80s, from Alden Court Nursing Care, where she worked for many years as a receptionist.

Claire is survived by her loving husband of 79 years; her two children, Kathleen Farrell, and Stephen Gonsalves; her four grandchildren, Kelly Farrell-Sexton, Stephen Gonsalves, Holly Berardi, and William Farrell; and three great-grandchildren, Adamo Berardi, Noah Berdardi and Josette Sexton.

Claire made friends often and easily, could tell a great joke, and never passed up a yard sale. She will be forever missed and often remembered by all who loved her, of which there were many.

In-lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in her honor to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O.Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101, www.stjude.org

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 10:00AM in St. Francis Xavier Parish, 125 Main St. Acushnet, MA, 02743. Burial to follow in Tabor Cemetery in Acushnet. For on-line tributes: www.waring-sullivan.com