Claire L Ward

Lewiston - Claire Lorraine Ward, 68, of 196 Pleasant St. died Saturday at her home with her husband by her side. Born August 11, 1942 in East Hartford, CT, she was the daughter of the late M. Jack & Elizabeth Manganello Dufault. She attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Lewiston High School in the Class of 1960. Claire was an active member of the Prince of Peace Parish at Holy Cross Church and was involved in the church choir and youth ministry. She worked as the circulation desk manager for the Lewiston Public Library for 20 years prior to her retirement in 2005. Many of her dearest friendships were forged thru her work there. Claire enjoyed family outings & parties, cookouts, and visiting the seashore. She was especially fond of Acadia National Park. She also enjoyed reading, knitting and collecting nick-knacks. She also enjoyed birdwatching with her husband, as well as her family cats and dogs. In 2004, she fulfilled a life long dream, touring Europe with her husband.

She loved her grandchildren dearly, and treasured the time she spent with them. She will be remembered as a person with a generous heart who always saw the best in others. She had a special soft spot for animals, which she passed down to her children. Claire is survived by her husband of 48 years Richard H. Ward of Lewiston, whom she married, June 15, 1963; 2 daughters: Renee and husband Jason Libby; Kimberly Dionne and life partner Kelly Blaisdell, 2 sons: James and wife Lynn Ward; and Richard P. Ward,8 grandchildren: Spencer and Leanna Ward; Sadie and Mia Guimond, Tess Libby, Marissa and Cameron Deschaine and Isaac Dionne. She is also survived by a brother, Richard Dufault and wife Susan, her mother-in-law: Cecile Ward, 5 sisters-in-law and their husbands and a brother-in-law and his wife. She was also predeceased by a daughter Marie, who died shortly after birth. The family wishes to thank the staff and physicians at CMMC Hematology/Oncology, and the caring staff at Interim HealthCare. Online guest book, photo gallery and condolences may be shared at www.thefortingrouplewistoncom

Visitation Fortin / Lewiston Tuesday 5 to 8 Pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church 1080 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME Wednesday 11:00 AM. Committal to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer, Hope and Healing.A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home Cremation and Monument Services 70 Horton Street, Lewiston,Maine 04240 (207) 784-4584