WESTFIELD: Claire (Fitzgerald) Case, 91, (1929-2021) died on February 10th peacefully at home. Claire was born October 20, 1929 to Raymond and Katherine (Halloran) Fitzgerald. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert G. (Bob) Case, her sister Marie (Fitzgerald) Gallo and brothers Raymond M. Fitzgerald and John T. (Specky) Fitzgerald.
Claire worked at the Farmer’s Exchange in her early years, however the bulk of her career was at Westfield State College, now known as Westfield University in the Continuing Studies Department. She also worked in the University Library and helped many students. Claire was an avid reader and golfer, weekly card player and total lover of crossword puzzles. She was also a sports fanatic! She loved the Red Sox. Claire got much joy out of playing word games – scrabble and boggle with her much-cherished grandkids! She absolutely loved going to Cape Cod with her family. A tradition started in the early 60’s, Claire and sister Marie would venture in Re’s station wagon to East Dennis taking all their kids. Fun was had by all! Then, summers in Chatham up till her 80’s; many happy loving memories made for years to come with her children and their children, grandkids too.
Claire and Bob were married October 10, 1953. She was a lifelong resident of Westfield where her and Bob started their family. She leaves behind her daughters Diane (Case) Hurlock (Jack) of Centreville, VA, Marie (Case) Scheible (Bruce) of West Springfield, MA and her son John (Jay) Case (Sue Platanitis) of Chatham, MA. Her grandkids will miss her greatly, Jeff Hurlock (Brittany), Kate Hurlock, Alli (Scheible) Charter (Joey) and Kris Scheible, along with Claire’s great-grandkids Gavin, Sophia, Evie and Quinn. Many loved nieces and nephews also survive Claire.
A private family funeral will be held in late Spring 2021, to celebrate her wonderful joy-filled life. Donations may be sent to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) of which Claire would have appreciated in memory of her husband Bob.
