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Claire O'Connor Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Claire O'Connor
Ann Marie
March 11, 2006
Hello friend, Went to the anniversary Mass for you, so many people there to show support to your family, and their love to you. Claire you were loved by so many people, we had a toast to you, my dear friend, and I really felt your presence with us, I know you are watching and guiding us, but I miss you so very much, I somehow expected you to walk down the stairs and join us, it was so strange to be in your house without you there. Claire, I miss talking to you, seeing your smile, and laughing at the stupid things we would say to each other. Fifty years of friendship, and I still say it wasn't long enough.
Linda Evans
March 9, 2006
Dear Claire,
It's hard to believe it's been a year since you were taken from us. The "Biddies" will never let your loving spirit be forgotten. Every month when we get together you are "with" us. Please watch over us and guide us as we go through our lives.
Love Ya,
Linda
Donna
March 9, 2006
A year has come and gone and we have all lost a great person in our life. I am sitting here wondering what to say, and it always come down to the same thing. Why were you taken from us so young in life? Just like our Dad, why? You both had so much to give and now you are both together watching over all of us.
I am sorry I am not with the family, but my prayers are with everyone today and aways. Love Donna
Mary MacDonald
March 8, 2006
I find it difficult to write on Claire's One Year Anniversary. Feelings are sad, and a bit confused. What comes to mind was Claire's courage, her acceptance of what was. I know she has guided so many of this past year. I often found myself seeking her guidance too... Maybe just a bit more this past week.
Loving you always my friend. I miss you so.
Mary MacDonald
March 3, 2006
It's strange to not be phoning to wish you a Happy Birthday. I couldn't let the day go by without acknowleging it though ... Happy Birthday Claire
Ann Marie
March 3, 2006
Happy Birthday Claire, It's so unreal that I'm not saying this to you in person. I miss you each and every day. So much reminds me of you, like I have never seen so many giraffes as I have this year, every store I go to, there are giraffes, it's my symbol that you are watching over us, isn't it? You are still a very big part of my life and always will be, so many times I go to pick up the phone to vent to you, or to tell you something important about the upcoming weddings, and then I stop, and as my eyes fill with tears, I have to realize that I no longer can do that, and so my friend Claire, Mary takes the brunt of my talks, but I know that you also hear me, as so many times things just seem to work out themselves, but deep down I know that it is you making it happen. I love you my friend, keep guiding me, and watch over us all.
Imagine you always said you would never be 56, little did we know how right you would be, so my friend you will always be 55, the youngest Biddie. I love you and miss you.
Mary Macdonald
December 24, 2005
It was in the little things this Season that I found my thoughts drifting to Claire. It was the snowmen I decorated with ... for I know Claire loved them too ... it was in the hushed note sent to Phil and the girls instead of a traditional card.When showing my 4 yr. old neice how to jitterbug to Rocking around the Christmas tree ... it was Claire I thought of.
And on this Christmas Eve I think of her again knowing that she wants us all to be have a Happy Christmas.
and I say ... Merry Christmas Claire
Ann Marie
November 9, 2005
Oh Claire, how very much I miss talking to you on the phone, getting together, and sharing that very special bond that we had. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. It has been a very long nine months without you here, but I can feel your spirit around me, guiding me and, I know that you are there watching over us all. I love you dear friend.
Mary MacDonald
November 8, 2005
It's been 8 months since we last talked Claire. But as you know I still talk to you almost every day.
Since I've known you,
I respected you,
Since I respected you,
I've loved you.
And now I love your spirit,
Your voice speaking to me,
forever rings through my soul.
Your in the sunshine, your in the wind your in all of us who love you still.
And as the days come and go and the world moves on I know your still with me ... you'll never be gone.
Donna Evans
September 9, 2005
Dear Sister - I cannot believe it is 6 months today, it just doesn't seem possible. Life is very busy and we all go on, but it doesn't mean we will ever forget. I think of you often and wonder why this happened to you. Sister Linda gave me a giraffe windcharm, (thank you Linda) but I never thought I would hear it charm. As everyone knows Oklahoma does not have much wind ha, ha), but ever since Chuck hung them outside we get just enough wind to make them charm. I tell everyone it is you talking to me. A lot of nights Michelle comes over with our little grandson Ashton who is only 4 months old, and we sit outside and when they charm I tell him it is Auntie saying hello. Also, someone gave Ashton a giraffe and Michelle and I just looked and thought of you immediately. He is now starting to hold his little giraffe and I tell him to say hi to Auntie. He puts a big smile on his face and tears come to my eyes with sadness that you are really gone. I tell him his giraffe is a special memory of an Aunt he never met. He kicks and smiles and I tell him to give you a kiss, and of course he puts the giraffe right in his mouth. I know when you were here I told you to tell Dad, how much I miss him and give him a big hung for me. Well I hope you have done so and are enjoying a new life with the loves ones we have lost. I love you sis and miss you. Donna
Ann Marie
September 8, 2005
When someone you love becomes a memory...
That memory becomes a teasure
Claire, you are treasure to me, as you always have been. It's been six months since you left us to join the angels, and become one of them. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, a flash back of memories, an old song, all the pictures taken of us Biddies, so much is a part of you and me, especially the years and years of friendship, fifty years in fact, but not long enough. You will forever be in my heart, my friend.
Love you
Ann Marie
July 8, 2005
Dear Claire,
Not a day goes by that I don't have thoughts of you, and the fun and laughter we have shared, oh, how I miss those days. Not having you here with all of us has been so very hard, and to think that you became an angel just four months ago tonight. I am so thankful for the time that you, Mary and I shared during those last months of your short life. The Biddies always talk and remember you each time we get together. Even though you are an angel, you are still a Biddie. I love you forever and a day.
Philip O'Connor
June 1, 2005
Perhaps you sent a lovely card
Or sat quietly in a chair
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray
If so we saw it there
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words
As any friend could say
Perhaps you were not there at all
Just thought of us that day
Whatever you did to console our hearts
We thank you so much whatever the part
The family of Claire M. O'Connor
Mary MacDonald
May 9, 2005
It's been 2 months and a day...
seems so long ago and yet sometimes I wonder did Claire really leave? There's a Cancer walk in Norwood this month. Rosie Harrington will be captain of our relay team and the biddies will be walking for Claire.
For all of us who still miss Claire so much know that your not alone and although Life does go on my memories keep Claire with me as I know your memories do the same. Claire's grace, dignity and strength was a lesson to us all...Let us never forget what she taught so many.
Anne Fratalia
April 13, 2005
Dear Phil and Girls-
A day hasn't gone by when I haven't thought of sweet, loving Claire. How blessed I was to have her in my life for the short time I did. I have her picture on my bureau and greet her good morning each day and wish her sweet dreams every night. I feel her with me as I make my daily rounds. Her body may be gone, but her spirit is alive and lives in all of us. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you peace in the coming days.
Love, Anne xo
Mary and Ann
April 8, 2005
It's hard to belive that it's been a month since we lost our dearest friend....
When the warmth of the sun touches
our faces,
We see your smile and feel your
embrace.
As the days come and go and the
world moves on,
We know your still here, you'll
never be gone.
On the night the Angel came and
took your hand,
We cried as you left for an unknown
land.
But Heaven rejoiced as you came
into sight for you Claire Our angel
You always shown so bright.
Loving you Always,
Mary and Ann
The Biddies
March 26, 2005
It was fitting that on a Friday night in March we celebrated Claire. And so last night we wore our old school colors...blue and gold Tee shirts embossed with "Claire's Night" "A Biddie's Pajama Party." We spent the night recalling other Biddie nights spent with Claire. We looked at old photos, watched a video of Claire and the Biddies dancing and we laughed till we cried for we were once again laughing with Claire. Among the various memento's a simple card stood out. It had been sent to Rene from her friend Emile.
It is Emile's words that we would like to share.
Maureen:
I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a life-long close friend. Tragedies such as the death of someone we love reminds us that life is too short not to live for something bigger. May you find comfort in knowing she is in a better place and you will meet her again.
Emilie continues with the lyrics to a song that have echoed in her own life lately.
HOMESICK
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times and at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you. But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry is how long must I wait to be with you?
I close my eyes and I see your face.
If home's where the heart is then I'm out of place.
Lord won't you give me strength to make it through somehow.
I've never been more homesick than I am now.
Help me Lord because I don't understand your ways.
The reason why I wonder will I ever know? But even if you showed me the hurt would be the same.
Because I'm still here so far away from home.
In Christ there are no goodbyes
In Christ there is no end
So I hold onto Jesus with all that I have.
To see you again.
Janice Stillings
March 19, 2005
Phil, Kristin & Liz,
How much we all are suffering. Within our hearts there is such an emptiness and sadness as we face each day. I know we will never stop missing our Claire.
Phil, Krisin, Liz, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing us to come and spend so much quality time with your wife/mom.
I can remember holding my sister's hand when she was a little girl, to holding her hand as she endured each day during her illness. My sister and I shared so many, many things good times - being excited about some upcoming event, birthdays, holidays, family weddings, parties, babies christenings, as well as sad times like our father's death, our kids going off to college......our lives evolving and changing. The years passed and as sisters do we talked every couple of days sharing what was going on with our kids, our work, our up times, our down times -it was a lifetime of sharing that I will never forget, it is imbedded deep in my heart. Everyday stuff like what we shopped for today, what we were having for dinner....some new recipe to try, who we were going out to dinner with Saturday night......everyday stuff. Kristin and Liz don't forget to call each other every few days when your not living together and share every day stuff. It becomes a special sisterhood unto itself a lifetime of love that no one can ever take away, not even in death. Unconciously I find myself wanting to pick up the phone to call my sister, but catching myself knowing she isn't there to listen anymore. Hopefully she is looking down on us from a place far better than we could possibly imagine and we will feel her presence as our lives unfold and she will let us know she is sharing with us. If I could ask anything of my sister I ask for the strength to endure as she did for the days ahead will be tuff but with the example of such a courageous sister how could I not hold my head high and go on with strength and conviction and love in my heart. In spight of the sadness I am feeling, I will try to wear a smile.
I thank God for having been blessed with such an exceptional, loving sister, as well as an amazing, wonderful brother-in-law and two terrific and beautiful nieces.
A friend sent me this poem and it really helped me to reflect on the faith we share, I hope it will bring some peace to each of you.
SAFELY HOME
I am safely home in Heaven, dear ones
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light
All the pain and grief is over
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever
Safely home in Heaven at last
Did you ever wonder why I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh, but Jesus' love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade
And He came Himself to meet me
Is that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in Jusus' land.
When that work is all completed
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting
Oh, the joy to see you come!
Mary and Ed MacDonald
March 15, 2005
Dear Phil, Kristin and Elizabeth:
God didn't promise days without pain,laughter without sorrow,sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.
May each of you find comfort during these diffiuclt days.You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Mary and Ed
Mary Mac's Debbie Nordblom
March 14, 2005
Phil, Kristin, Liz, and Kote,
Loss is never easy in anyone's life especially when you know ahead of time what is yet to come. That's what gave you the strength to be by Claire's side and give her so much more love than if it happened suddenly. She wanted to be with you for every second in time. Her children, her family, and her friends.
I fell in love with Claire through the stories, the jokes, the laughter, the movies of Mary's birthday, the pictures, and everything wonderful Mary said about Claire. I didn't know Claire but I knew Claire.
With sadness in our hearts life will go on, dreams will be followed, children will grow up, and the love will never be forgotten.
God Bless
Mary's Debbie
Donna Evans
March 14, 2005
Phil, Kristen & Liz. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you did for my sister. I am so proud of all 3 of you for doing everything you could for my sister during her last days with us. My sister is gone from us, but she will never be forgotten! Please remember I am only a phone call away. I love you all very much. Love Donna (Auntie)
PS. I LOVE YOU SIS.
Peter Sulfaro
March 13, 2005
For anyone who could not attend I had the honor of reading the Eulogy for my sisters husband Phil, and after I shared these words to my sister and I would like to share it with all of you.
On a personal note I would like to speak of my sister:
To My Sister
Claire, in its pure definition, is of French origin and means clear, bright and famous. To this I would add “leader”.
Claire was always clear of mind, focused and yes, bright. For all these things she is famous.
Claire has in so many ways presided over this family and presided over her friendships. Always seeing the good in everyone she came in contact with in life.
When we were made aware of Claire’s condition we all stood in disbelief yet we were ALL given the opportunity of time to accept this unbelievable news.
I witnessed many things including Claire’s remarkable strength to remain unmoved by this illness.
The first test was the Christmas holidays. For those of you who do not know this Claire always and effortlessly presided over the biggest and most sacred holiday we celebrate together. This year was no exception. We gathered as always, and celebrated life in the usual ways, with all the family love and acceptance as was expected of us regardless of who we had become over the years. We ate we drank we laughed and on this occasion some of us cried. The reality and the road to acceptance for us had begun.
In the days and weeks to follow Claire and her family stood up to the challenge of fighting this disease that somehow reaches out and eventually touches all of us. I observed family and friends rising up and coming to the O’Connor’s aid. On behalf of the O’Connor’s I say thank you all. But I want to talk about Claire and her leadership. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months everyone surrounding the O’Connor’s were beginning the process of acceptance. Ridding our selves of fear, pain, and the unwillingness to acknowledge that which we have no control over and cannot change. But Claire was doing what comes natural presiding over her household as a loving wife and mother, business as usual. Claire needed to get out of the house, but not for herself, oh no she had to get some where to get something and keep the house running or to insure her mother did not want, ignoring the destiny she knew she was about to face.
Kristin was about to move out of State and instead she came home to live, not because she could not handle life in the world, not because she was in debt or wanted to take advantage of her parents as a young adult. No Kristin came home to show all of us not just her mother that she had matured into a remarkably responsible young person that has learned well the meaning of family, responsibility and caring of others from her adopting parents. God bless you Kristin and your cheery smile and bubbling personality. You were born with these traits but it was Claire your mother who gave you the gift to blossom and put them to use in life. You are distend for public service.
And Elizabeth, Elizabeth needs her mother and Claire knew this. Nothing would change for Elizabeth. Oh no, as the weeks would pass I would see Elizabeth and I would ask her, “How are doing?”, “Have you sat with mom today?”; and she would answer “Yeah, but all she does is tell me to go do my homework!” That’s what Claire is all about Liz, she just had to keep doing what needed to be done and “By…you know who [God]” you were getting the same treatment your sister got when she was 15 going on 16. The love of a mother and her determination to make you whole is never tainted even in the face of God’s calling. For this you were told, “Go do your homework”. Love is… a never wavering mom.
For you both I give you this gathering of friends and family who have all been touched by your mothers love and I promise you there is no one here that would shy away from assisting in giving you the direction your Mom would give you when you need it. She lives in all of us.
To her husband she gave strength and determination that is sometimes lost today when it comes to the vows of marriage. And I know given the choice Phil, I would look to you as a mentor on how to be a good & successful loving husband and father.
As weeks became months one thing did not change Claire would be Claire, clear of her role, bright and famous maintaining that she will not be denied leaving us all in awe of her strength and conviction of love of family and of all who came in contact with her.
I bid you not good-bye my sister; I say simply, I’ll see you on the other side.
Deb Banks
March 12, 2005
Phil, Kristin & Elizabeth
Claire was one of a kind. Her smile will be sadly missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie, Joe, Kristie & Courtney
Jose Llevada
March 11, 2005
Our condolences from your colleagues at Bose.
Pamela Farry
March 11, 2005
Philip, Kristen, and Elizabeth,
I'm so sorry to hear about Claire, what a loss this is to everyone. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know! You'll be in my prayers tonight. Pam
Ann Marie
March 11, 2005
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"
May your happy memories of Claire give you great comfort during this diffcult time.
My prayers and thoughts are with all.
Cash Butler
March 11, 2005
Phil and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Hickey
March 11, 2005
Dear Philip Sorry to read of Claire's passing. Be assured I will keep her my prayers. God Bless You. Tim Hickey Cambridge,Ma.
Betty Smith
March 10, 2005
Dear Anita and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Father
Kelly is saying a Mass for Claire and family.
God Bless, Betty Smith
a biddie
March 10, 2005
Claire
C is for the caring friend
that you have always been
L is for the love we shared
and the smiles you would bring
A is for always for you'll always
be in my heart
I will keep you close to me
now that we're apart
R is rememembering the best of
times even through the tears
E is for the emptiness I have
because your not here
Eavan Mages
March 10, 2005
To the Family of Philip O' Connor
sincere sympathy on your great loss.
Eavan Mages (Julie's friend)
JOE UFTRING
March 10, 2005
PHIL..FRANCES AND I FEEL TERRIBLE OF THE LOSS OF CLAIRE..SHE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE COUSINS..OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTERS..LOVE JOE AND FRANCES
Ruthanne Farwell
March 10, 2005
Phil;
Bernie and I were so sorry to hear about the death of Claire. She was a wonderful and loving person, and will be missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Barbara Cohen
March 10, 2005
Dear Sheila,
Your friends at the V.A. are very sorry to hear of your loss.
Thomas Allanach
March 10, 2005
The Family of Phil O'Connor
Wanted you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Maryann Allanach
Michael King
March 10, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Connor and Sulfaro families.
The King Family
Lisa Bello
March 10, 2005
O'Connor family I am so sorry for your loss Your mom was a great woman. Ill keep you in my prayers
Richard O'MARA
March 10, 2005
Phil and Family,
Losing a loved one is never without sorrow. Hoping your memories and her spirit guide you all in the days to come. With Sympathy,
Richard O'Mara
THOMAS ALLANACH
March 10, 2005
To the Family of Phil O'Connor
Would like you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jean & Phil Toledo
March 10, 2005
Dear Phil & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you today & always. Claire was a wonderful Wife, Mother, & Sister. Claire will be missed by everyone.
God Bless all of you.
Phil & Jean Toledo
Jessica Hurley
March 10, 2005
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosie Harrington
March 10, 2005
Claire,
You will be sorely missed!!
Luv Rosie, Jimmy and Amy
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