Obituary of Claire M. Benoit
Claire M. Benoit, 87, of South East St., Amherst, died peacefully at home Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Born in Holyoke, January 23, 1933, she was the daughter of Norbert Mochon and Melanie (Fournier) Mochon. She attended Holyoke High School and graduated in 1949. She met and married South Hadley native, Arthur Benoit, and together they raised their family of four children in “the house between two churches” on Newton St. Once all her children were in school, Claire, who spoke fluent French, became secretary for the French Department at Mount Holyoke College, a position she held for 35 years. Not one to sit still, after retirement Claire began her second career volunteering her time as an administrative office assistant at Andrew’s Greenhouse on South East St. in Amherst, a business run by Claire’s son-in-law, Andrew Cowles, and his wife, Claire’s daughter, Jacqueline. Claire loved the water and was an avid swimmer for the entirety of her life. Hardly a summer day went by that you couldn’t find her at the South Hadley Swim Club, at a beach on the cape or later enjoying her daughter’s pool. Her other interests included gardening, reading, puzzles, and online word games with friends and family. She was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics. Claire was a communicant of St. Theresa's Church. She was pre-deceased by Arthur, her husband of 59 years and her brother Eugene Mochon. She will be deeply missed by her children, Daniel A. and wife Diana of Cairo, NY, Anne Walczak and husband David of Wilbraham, Stephen N. and his wife Nicole of Lincoln, RI and Jacqueline C. Cowles and her husband Andrew of Amherst. Additionally, 5 grandchildren survive her as well as several nieces and nephews. A private, graveside burial service will be held at Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley. Unfortunately, attendance must be limited to immediate family members only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Claire by visiting Andrew's Greenhouse and to plant flowers and vegetables in her memory. For those wishing, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Fisher Home @fisherhome.org.
