Born in Fitchburg, a daughter of the late Arthur and Estelle (LeBlanc) Gemme, she spent her youth in New Bedford before moving to Fall River.
A graduate of Holy Family High School, class of 1950, Claire worked as a bookkeeper for the families business, Sparkle Cleaners in Fall River. She was a member of the Exchange Club.
She is survived by three sons, Zachary Saulnier and his wife Mary of Fall River, Gary Saulnier and his wife Tobi of Glenmont, NY and Paul Saulnier and his wife Jacalyn of Westport; four grandchildren, Christopher, Kelsey, Nicholas, and Erik Saulnier and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Helen
Rickenbach, Albert and Richard Gemme.
Private arrangements are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River. Contributions in her honor may be made to The FLY Foundation, PO Box 2528, Fall River, MA 02722. For tributes please visit www.waring-sullivan.com