Claire D. Irwin

Springfield/Ware - Claire D. (Lavigne) Irwin, 93, of Springfield, and formerly of Ware, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at Chestnut Hill of East Longmeadow.



She leaves her son, Richard F. Irwin and his wife Carol of Wheelwright; her daughter, Sharon Brown of Ware; a niece, Deborah Morton of Ware; two sisters, Shirley Podkowka of Ware, and Jeanette Bessette of Gilbertville; two daughters-in-law, Fran Irwin of Ware, and Debbie Greenia of New Hampshire; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Harold M. Irwin in 2000, as well as their five children, Kenneth, Mark, and Michael Irwin, Judith Fossa, and an infant daughter, Linda. She was born in Ware, daughter of the late Alfferie and Irene D. (Peltier) Lavigne, and lived most of her life in Ware.



Claire worked at the former Carter Company in Gilbertville, and then Gilbertville Mills as a screen printer, from where she retired. With an independent spirit, she was a fierce competitor in the weekly Bingo games at St. Mary's church, and also often traveled to Foxwoods to play. She enjoyed listening to country music on the radio, but only from 10 to 2, when she would turn on the television, or earlier if the Red Sox were playing a game.



A Graveside Service for Claire will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 1:30PM in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Ware.  Even though the service is being held outdoors, please wear a mask and practice proper social distancing guidelines. Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware is assisting her family with arrangements.