DONNELLY

Claire Donnelly passed away on March 24, 2026 at the age of 97, in Monterey, CA. She was born on 10/26/28 to the late Mary and Thomas Rogers of Norwood, MA. Claire was predeceased by her husband John (2010), her two brothers, Tom and Bill, and grandson Brendan (2015). She is survived by her son John and wife Sue of The Villages, FL, her daughter Paula and husband Scott of Marina, CA, and her son Mark and wife Lynda of E. Walpole, MA. Claire is also survived by her grandsons: Conor and wife Kylie, Garrett and fiancée Alisa, granddaughter Lily, and four great grandchildren, Joshua, Harrison, Lane, and Millie. Claire graduated from Norwood High School and Fisher College in Boston. She met her husband John while she was employed at the Catholic Youth Organization, and he was employed by Catholic Television. Claire and John raised their 3 children in Norwood, loved vacationing as a family on Cape Cod each summer, and enjoyed traveling together. She was an avid Boston Bruins fan for decades, having season tickets for many years.

Claire also enjoyed spending time with her girlfriends, as a young woman skiing and sailing, and later golfing, playing bridge and going on weekly lunches, where she sipped her glass of white wine. She loved reading, especially mysteries. When her children were older, she worked as an office manager for Cail Realty of Norwood. Claire enjoyed her work life and continued with it on a part-time basis until the age of 80.

She was a devoted and loving grandmother (Nana) to Brendan, Conor, Garrett and Lily. Going to watch them play hockey or attend a school or music event were highlights of her life and she went as often as possible. Dedicated to her Catholic faith, she was a long-time member of St. Timothy's in Norwood.

In 2021, Claire moved to Marina, CA to live with her daughter and son-in-law, where she loved driving along the California coast. In 2024 she moved into assisted living. Claire died peacefully with her daughter by her side.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Norwood at a future date.

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