Claire Frances Obituary

Lead singer and music producer, 61, of North Weymouth, died on Friday, July 25th following a long illness. A native New Yorker, Claires lifelong musical career began in high school on Long Island when she produced and fronted an all-girl doo-wop group. After moving to Massachusetts, she sang with a number of female rock bands throughout the 70s and 80s, such as Lilith, Liberty Standing, The Ina Ray Band, and Trans-Sister. Claire also handled their stage production, musical arrangements, business management, and studio production, as well as contributing original songs. Her bands headlined at the Paradise in Boston, the Peppermint Lounge in New York, and many New England clubs and events. In addition, she was a studio producer for Lizzie Borden and the Axes and did live concert production for acts including Holly Near and Cris Williamson. For more than ten years, Claire worked tirelessly for Oxfam America, yet still remained active in the entertainment field as a popular mobile DJ. She is survived by her sister Deborah, brother George, niece Jessica, cousin Loretta Rolleri, Aunt Janine, other family members, many loving friends and fellow women musicians. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend her Memorial. Visiting hours on Tuesday, Aug. 5th from 6-8 PM at the Hamel Wickens & Troue Funeral Home, 26 Adams St., QUINCY CENTER

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Aug. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Claire Frances

11 Entries

Nikki Doukas

June 16, 2009

I recently heard of Claire’s passing and was shocked and saddened by the news. We had known each other for a long time, but had gradually drifted apart over the years. I thought of her many times, and told myself that I would call her soon….. but I never did. You see, I thought I could call her on my time, forgetting that life and death are predestined, and while I can make plans, I do not have control over the outcome. I’ve since said my good-bye’s to Claire, knowing that she will receive them wherever she is. She was a good soul who had a great sense of humor, and I’m sorry she left us early.

jennifer pinck

September 19, 2008

i met claire my first year of college in 1973 as i was organizing a dance in our college dormitory. She was part of Lilith and from that day on i admired and respected her beauty, generosity, and love of music. I am so saddened to know she is gone but happy to have great memories. Music is the universal language.

Cyndie Barone

September 6, 2008

A memorial and scattering of ashes for Claire will be held in Provincetown MA on SaturdY Sept 13th at 2PM. Music, singing and candlelighting takes place in the meeting room at the Unitarian Church on Commerical St then off to the ocean followed by ice cream - Claire;s fav thing.

David Compton

September 5, 2008

Ina Ray then New Toy were the house band at the Blitz,a new wave club in Ptown ,I think it was the summer of 79. I was the end of summer dj and Claire treated me well, I felt like part of the band. I have a photo of Claire that I still keep from back then,it reminds me of that summer.I am so saddend to hear of her passing.She was a wonderful person.

Patricia Faraglia

August 7, 2008

I will miss the phone calls that Claire is comming down to Long Island and I should plan on days of garage sale hunting and other trips to shop. I will miss her laugh and that sentive tone of love when she spoke to her sibling. I will miss the music that she inspired me to listen too and I loved so much, mostly because Claire pick it out for me.
I will, miss claire.......

Cyndie Barone

August 5, 2008

Thank you for trusting me. I am keeping my promise to you and will not let your sister and brother down. I will do everything I can. I gave you my word.

This October I will take our trip down Rt. 2 and stop in all the little farm stands and country stores and oooh and ahh over the leaves in your honor but it will not be the same without you.

I understand now Claire.

always in music
Cyndie

Allison Stieber

August 5, 2008

I will remember Claire's generous spirit. The very first time I met her, now almost 30 years ago, through a mutual friend, she allowed me (a virtual stranger), to sit and make tape recordings in her overwhelmingly extensive music library, to my heart's content ... she basically just left me there and gave me free rein. I could hardly believe my good fortune and felt like the proverbial kid in the candy store. ... I'd not seen Claire for some years, due to circumstance, so my last memory of her is when she was still vigorous. I am saddened that such a vibrant, talented person is gone so soon. My condolences to the family.

Stacie Whiting

August 5, 2008

The so many years that we have known each other brought waves of ups and downs in both of our lives. I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have shared them with you. You will be greatly missed but the memories will stay in my heart. Written with much love.

Mark Jamiel

August 4, 2008

Claire was the woman you always wanted to be around. She always made you feel like you were part of her family. No matter who you were. She will always live on in my heart. And She will forever be family to me.

Jacqueline Sealund

August 4, 2008

Thank you Claire for asking me to help you. I am missing you today, but I have your Music and this is a Comfort. I am very greatful for your Friendship and the confidence you had in me to help you thru one of the toughtest times you've ever endured. Your strength and persistance to continue to work and live your life to the fullest, will always be an inspiration to me, and I am the richer for it. God bless you
DJ CLAIRE_FRANCES... We will always, always, have music...

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