Claire A. Flynn, age 75, of Hidden Bay, South Dartmouth, formerly of Mattapoisett, died on Monday July 25, 2016 after a courageous fight against cancer. She was the devoted wife of the late Joseph Flynn, and dedicated mother of Joseph, Jr. and Margaret, and cherished grandmother of Deirdre and Brighid. Claire was a daughter of the late Eugene and Donalda Boivin, and is survived by her sister, Diane Sullivan.
Claire was born in Rumford, Maine on July 14, 1941. She was graduated from Stephens High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Spanish from Regis College. Claire’s career in public education began in 1963, teaching at Brockton High School. After leaving public education to raise a family, she returned to teaching at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School and later moved to Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. She subsequently joined the teaching staff of Old Rochester Regional High School (ORRHS) and taught French, Spanish, and World History over the course of her career there. She was actively involved with the American Field Service Intercultural Program at ORRHS, participating in numerous cultural experiences and field trips with fellow colleagues, foreign exchange students, and hosting family students at ORRHS.
Upon her retirement from ORRHS in 1998, Claire took great pleasure in family events and activities and delighted in good conversation, usually sparked by the most recent book she enjoyed. Additionally, she was an inveterate traveler who frequented the Caribbean and Marco Island, FL. She volunteered as a patient advocate at St. Luke’s Hospital and most recently volunteered as a teacher assistant at Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford.
At Claire’s request, funeral services will be private. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Claire’s name may be made to the Nativity Preparatory School, 66 Spring Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.