Obituary of Claire C. Gendron

South Hadley—Claire C. (Carmel) Gendron, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 2, 2020. Daughter of the late Henry and Beatrice (Fontaine) Carmel, she was born in Holyoke on December 3, 1925 and graduated from Holyoke High School. Claire and her dear husband, Ron, met in elementary school and he immediately fell in love with her. He even wrote their initials in a heart on the chalkboard which caused the nun to rap his knuckles with a ruler! They lost touch when Ron moved away but reunited in their late teen years. Claire waited patiently for him while he served in the Navy for four years. Claire was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed keeping her house while her husband, Ron, tended to their gardens outside. She loved having company over, especially when it was her grandchildren and great grandchildren as those visits were always the highlight of her day. Claire enjoyed going on family vacations to the Cape, specifically Truro, where she sacrificed her comfort by sleeping in the back of a car for two weeks while everyone else slept in tents! Her selflessness and generosity to her family and friends will forever be remembered by those who loved her most. Claire will be dearly missed by all who knew her, including her loving husband of 73 years, Ronald W. Gendron; her children Ron Gendron and his wife, Linda, of South Hadley, Nancy Gendron of South Hadley, Paul Gendron and his wife, Gail, of Chicopee, and Catherine Smith of West Hartford, CT; her 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and friends. Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation which will be held Friday, August 7, 2020 from 9:30am-11:00am at Beers & Story Funeral Home, 646 Newton St, South Hadley, MA 01075. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow in St. Anne’s Church, 30 College St, Chicopee, MA 01020 beginning at 12 noon. Rites of Committal and interment to immediately follow in St. Rose Cemetery, Granby Rd, South Hadley, MA 01075. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Baystate Children’s Hospital or to Baystate Home Care & Hospice, 759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199.