Claire M. Richard

Claire M. (Fournier) Richard, 79, of Gardner, died peacefully Saturday, July 22, 2023, in her home surrounded by her family after a long illness.

Born in Gardner on May 14, 1944, she was the daughter of the late A. Maurice and Rosa Eva (Lavigne) Fournier. She graduated from Maria Assumpta Academy in Petersham with the Class of 1962 and from Burbank Hospital School of Practical Nursing with the Class of 1963. Claire was a Licensed Practical Nurse employed by the Connecticut Department of Corrections for several years before her retirement in 1997. She was previously employed by Worcester State Hospital, the Brain Injured Children’s Hospital in Groton, Leominster Hospital, Heywood Hospital, and several area nursing homes.

Claire was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, where she practiced her faith at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. She was active within the church community, where she was a member of its Ladies of Ste. Anne Society, its Adoration Chapel, and volunteering at its school. Claire always wanted to learn about history, reading many biographies, studying the lives of the saints, and watching the History Channel and EWTN: The Catholic Channel. She was well known for her excellent cross-stitching skills, as well as her crocheting and knitting ability. Claire’s greatest joy was her family, treasuring their special times together.

Claire is survived by her husband of 55 years, J. Donald Richard of Gardner; three sons, Lionel M. Richard and his wife Angela of Southern Shores, NC, Terrence D. Richard of Shelburne Falls, and John F. Richard of East Over, SC; eight grandchildren, René and Ryan Richard, Kaelyn Wagner  and Madison Pierce, Annabelle, Gabriel, Jacob and Chiara Richard; a sister, Sr. Lucille Fournier, S.S.S of Waterville, ME; a brother, Paul Fournier and his wife Florence of Attleboro; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

A Calling Hour will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

The family of Claire invites all who attend her services back to the Acadien Social Club, 193 Parker Street, Gardner, MA 01440, for a time of refreshment and fellowship.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Claire M. Richard.