WESTFIELD – Remembered for her caring spirit, encouragement to others, for her deep appreciation for her church, and the love of her family, Claire F. (Fountaine) Charest, (1925-2016) passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016 in a local nursing home. Claire was connected to New Life Christian Center in Westfield where she made many friends and enjoyed being part of the church community. She was a volunteer for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and for the American Cancer Association. Claire’s feisty sense of humor and the love for her family will be missed.
Claire was born in Hartford, CT on June 11, 1925 and was one of three daughters of the late Albert and Melina (Laguilt) Fountaine and grew up in Connecticut. She met the love of her life, Roger S. Charest and they started their own family residing in Enfield, CT. Claire moved to Westfield in 1983.
Her beloved husband Roger predeceased her in 1981. Her much-loved daughters, Barbara Ouellette and Carol Ann Pierce, and her great-grandsons Graham and Ray III also predeceased Claire. She is survived by her son Raymond Charest, her cherished grandchildren: Sabrina, Chelsea, Eric, Raymond, Heather, Amy, Melanie, Jason, Susan, Jennifer and Kim; her great-grandchildren: Max, Paige, Dillion, Dustin, Billy, Norman, Josh and John; her nephews: Glen and Jack; her adopted family Flo and Tony Fuda; and many other relatives and loving friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 5:00-8:00pm at Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation on 624 College Highway in Southwick. A Celebration of Claire’s Life will take place on 9:00am at the funeral home; followed by burial in St. Bernards Cemetery in Enfield, CT. Donations may be made in Claire’s memory to the Make a Wish Foundation, 181 Park Ave, Suite 12, West Springfield MA 01089.
