A. Claire Marnell

A. Claire (Flaherty) Marnell, age 85, passed away in the Brookdale Assisted Living Center on Sunday, April 15, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Belmont, Massachusetts on November 6, 1932, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Mary V. (Donahue) Flaherty. She was raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a girl she enjoyed local outings with her family as well as yearly summer vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, a place that would always hold a special place in her heart. Claire attended Brookline High School, where she made many lifelong friends. She was a three-season athlete, competing in field hockey, softball, and cheerleading. Claire was also an accomplished seamstress, creating gowns for the many dances and proms she attended. Following her graduation in 1950, Claire began working at The New England Telephone Company and the Arthur D. Little Company. As a young woman she loved skiing and skating with her friends, attending football games, and dancing the night away at Mosely's on the Charles.

After marrying and starting a family, Claire settled in Whitman and took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her children. She maintained her love of sewing making clothes for her children as well as costumes for musical productions of the Whitman Mother's Club. She taught her children to skate on the local ponds and continued her family's tradition of summer vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee. As her children grew up and were enrolled in school, Claire returned to the working world, taking a position at Whitman Savings Bank. After settling in Millis, Massachusetts, Claire took a position with the Natick 5 Cents Savings Bank.

While attending a reunion from her Whiskey Point Neighborhood, Claire reunited with a childhood friend, Francis J. Marnell, Jr. The couple quickly fell in love and were married on August 1, 1981 in the backyard of a home they purchased on Clarkson Drive in Walpole. Once they returned from their honeymoon at Niagara Falls, Claire returned to the bank, staying with them as they became Middlesex Savings Bank, working her way up to become secretary to the bank president. She retired in 1994 after 15 dedicated years.

Claire loved her new community of Walpole and especially her faith community of Blessed Sacrament Church. She took an active role as a RCIA Sponsor for many years and loved gathering with her close friends for the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group.

During her retirement Claire, remained an avid Boston Sports Fan, following the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots. She enjoyed quiet time as well, completing jigsaw puzzles and listening to music. Most of all, Claire was a dedicated family woman, who loved spending time with her children and grandson. Claire was delighted at the birth of her grandson, Shane. The two shared a special bond and she always looked forward to his visits.

Beloved wife of Francis J. Marnell, Jr.
Loving mother of Marybeth F. Hickey and her husband Paul of Marstons Mills, Michael F. Ferguson of Tempe, Arizona, Caroline J. Ferguson of Nantucket, Robert F. Ferguson of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, and the late Thomas J. Ferguson.
Cherished grandmother of Shane T. Ferguson of Phoenix, Arizona.
Sister of Robert L. Flaherty of Millis, Barbara A. Radley of Brookline, the late Patricia Dugan, the late John F. Flaherty, Jr, and the late Marilyn A. Flaherty.
Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Claire's Life Celebration on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.