Claire Hand Obituary
Claire was predeceased by her brother Gary Hand (of West Charleston VT) she was beloved by his wife Shirley and their children. Claire leaves her siblings Cynthia Ashcroft (of Johnstown, NY), LeRoy Hand (and Debbie Davis of Cincinnati, OH) Nancy Paradis (of Willimantic, CT), Paula (and Thomas McManus of Columbia, CT) And Kevin Hand of Lebanon CT (and Kathy Caron). She also leaves her nieces Katharine McManus (and Ryan Baker of North Andover, MA) and LaRissa Jones (her Husband Darren and children Sawyer and Lydia of KY), her nephews Erich McManus(his wife Kira and children Devin, Johanna and Aria of Willimantic, CT), Josh Paradis (his wife Danielle and children Raelynn, Skylar and Josh, jr of Windham, CT) and Owen Hand (of Colchester, CT).
Everyone who actually knew Claire was touched in a special way by her capacity to listen with genuine interest and care. Claire enjoyed her home, lunches with friends, spending time with her family and her loyal cat, Pumpkin. She had a pure spirit blessed with great intuition. She knew what people were feeling, and was always ready to make someone's day better.
She worked for the Hebron School System for nearly 50 years. She knew many generations of students, parents and grandparents. She knew everybody! She couldn't go anywhere without saying hello to someone, always responding with a smile and a kind word.
If you really knew Claire you were blessed to have known her. Her death was sudden and shocking, but she lived every day to the fullest, cheering those around her on with her gentle manner. She will be missed by many and never forgotten. Of everyone that Claire knew, two people stand out as life long friends that she deeply appreciated and loved, Kathy Skopis and Lois Donato. Thank you for the time you spent making memories with Claire.
Claire will be cremated and laid to rest with her parents at The Columbia Burying Grounds Cemetery. A memorial service will be held later this year, in the fall, to celebrate her life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lois Donato
October 14, 2025
Oh if only
Oh, if we could only see the world through Claire Hand´s eyes. She had an open heart along with a clarity about what the world really was all about and what it still sorely needed. She enjoyed every minute of life, no matter how big or how small. She found joy in everything she experienced, whether it was a visit to the senior center, the Willimantic community center, or just to the local grocery store. She was strong, determined, and a force to be reckoned with inside the RHAM school halls.
No one messed with Claire at school. We always indoctrinated the new teachers - letting them know that Claire was number 1 and was to be given the ultimate respect! There was nothing she wouldn´t do to help a teacher in need.
I will miss my daily phone calls, my weather update, and the current politics of the towns around us.
But Most of all, I will miss her robust laugh, her beautiful heart, and her constant reminder for me that life is truly wonderful.
I will never forget my bud.
Love, Lois
Sandra j bruch
October 13, 2025
25 YEARS OF PHONE CALLS JUST ABOUT EVERY DAY I MISS HER SO. I REMEMBER GIVING HER A RIDE ON THE TRYKE. SHE LOVED IT. I COULD NOT HAVE GIVEN DIMPLES A BETTER HOME THAN WITH CLAIRE. I BELIEVE SHE IS IN HEAVEN MAKING THE LORD LAUGH. I LOVE YOU CLAIRE AND MISS YOU WITH ALL MY HEART.
SAM
SANDRA BRUCH
Brandon McGillicuddy
September 7, 2025
Even though you were not technically my aunt man did we have lots of fun and laughs and smiles in that blue dodge neon..... love you auntie
Karen Braunwart
June 13, 2025
Claire was a wonderful and kind friend at RHAM. She took an interest in my students and my own children, often asking about them and remembering little things. At the end of the day when she came to my room we would chat about our day and share a laugh. Claire always offered her help and support to all. Claire will forever be in our hearts and we miss her.
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Shelby Gregory
June 9, 2025
I remember the day she told me she remembered my fiancé from when he went to RHAM and she always asked me how he was everyday that she saw me. I miss my random phone calls or text messages from Claire. I miss coming in to work with my voicemails from her telling me to have a good day and to check the weather forecast because she was predicting that we were going to not have school or have a half day. She will forever be in my thoughts. She will be deeply missed.
Meghan Brown
June 9, 2025
When I started at RHAM 10 years ago, Claire was one of the first to welcome me, and she continued that warm welcome for all the years that followed-- notes, jokes, texts, and weather updates. Claire's enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and concern for others have been such a gift at this community. I will miss her dearly.
Kim Kane
June 9, 2025
I miss my daily messages from Claire. We chatted often at school and she kept me up to date on the happenings around town. She loved her RHAM family and will be missed greatly.
Mark Mishriky
June 9, 2025
Three years ago, when I started teaching at RHAM Claire was the first person to make me feel welcome. She greeted me warmly, helped me settle into my room, and promised to deal with anyone who gave me any crap. Over the past three years, I came to look forward to our chats each day after school. She always had a kind word and some solid advice about dealing with the weather. She was a kind hearted soul and a generous friend. Through her small acts of kindness she made a big difference in my life.
Aly Hoagland
June 9, 2025
At RHAM, we could always hear Claire approaching as there would be a jingle of keys and typically a trail of laughter as she made her way through the School Counseling Office. Whether she was sharing weather updates and forecasting potential delays (which we especially loved to hear!) or poking good-natured fun at us - she always lightened the mood and made us smile. Since her retirement, I appreciated Claire keeping in touch with phone calls and light-hearted voicemails, just checking in to say hi. She will be dearly missed!
Mary Rose Meade
June 9, 2025
I remember meeting Claire in February of 1992 when I joined the faculty at RHAM. She was incredibly helpful and "showed me the ropes" of navigating my new work space, but it has been in the last few years that we have grown closer, and I am so sad that this world is now missing one of the kindest and warmest humans. She was not only part of my RHAM family but my own family, with my husband reporting his meetings with Claire after visits to Ted's and then Claire giving me her report the next day! Claire was kindness personified, and we are all better for having known her and having had the privilege of being part of her life.
Lois Neuger
June 5, 2025
Good friend, a really nice person to know.
Joyce Edwards
June 4, 2025
Sympathy to all of you. Your in my prayers. Love Joyce
Kevin Kanaitis
June 4, 2025
Claire was such a great person that will be missed dearly. Kind hearted, friendly, and was spot on for predicting snow days for RHAM. Rest in peace Claire!
Julie Blier
June 4, 2025
Although I never met her I feel like I knew Claire through her friend, Kathy Skopas, who cared deeply for her. My condolences to all her loved ones.
Lisa and Art
June 3, 2025
Claire was a very kind soul. Arthur has very fond memories of her at family functions, and playing softball. She will be sadly missed stopping by the garage just to say hello.
Danielle Mooney
June 3, 2025
Claire was one of the most genuinely kind and humble people I´ve ever had the privilege to know. She never sought attention or recognition, but always showed up-quietly, consistently, and with a generous heart. Whether it was through hard work, a kind word, or a helping hand, Clare made not only RHAM but the world a better place simply by being in it. Her influence on all of those she has met and touched with her kindness will be endless. Rest in peace my friend!
Karen Budd
June 2, 2025
I met Claire 1n 1980 and have enjoyed her friendship ever since. She would always pop-up at different places and always with a smile. She will be missed by everyone that knew and loved her.
yaosca Gonzalez
June 2, 2025
Claire was always nice to me and everyone around her. She would always asked if I needed anything. She didn't ask just to be polite, she asked because she cared. I miss seeing your face around the school.
Rest in peace my friend.
Kathy Skopas
June 2, 2025
My forever friend, dear Claire. A 45 year friendship that I will always cherish. Multiple phone calls a day at set times. Lunches out. Always checking in on each other. Always in my heart.
Christine Sposito
June 2, 2025
Claire, you will be missed emensely. You were so welcoming when I started at RHAM 4 years ago. We found out we were neighbors. You looked after my fish when I would be away from school. You always looked to see how you can help others. Through your kindness, you lifted my spirits more than you could ever know. Rest in peace!!
Donna Tillman
June 2, 2025
I will miss you my friend.
Janet Fowler
June 1, 2025
A beautiful soul. We will miss her.
Lois Donato
June 1, 2025
Claire was one of the most loving, honest, and caring people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She loved me and I loved her. We laughed together almost daily. She loved to reminisce about all the fun we had at RHAM Middle School. For 21 years we shared our school days and she was there to help in any way she could to make our school events be their best. She loved her family and spoke often to me about them. I will miss her and think of her every day. She truly was one of a kind. Rest in peace my dear, dear friend. You are forever in my heart.
Meredith.Dunbar
June 1, 2025
Claire was the first person I met even before coming on staff. I figured if she was that nice the place must be great. I remember one year Claire and I and another staff member started the day laughing like crazy before the kids got there. She kept me laughing for over 22 years. Claire, you were truly the heart of RHAM. Miss you my friend.
Dave and Rose Tierney
May 31, 2025
You will be truly missed we all will miss you you always treated Dave´s and i and our children Aaron and Christa like we were yours loved spending time with you and alll the laughs we had we will never forget you Claire
shawn fitzpatrickf
May 31, 2025
we will always remember all the laughs we had together at Rham. We will miss you god has a new angel Love the Fitzpatricks
timothy j paradis
May 31, 2025
You will be greatly missed. timothy paradis.
Darcy Bean
May 30, 2025
I´m so very sorry for your loss. I knew Clair from school, she was a dear friend. When she came through Dunkin´ Donuts, we always laughed. That´s one thing I´ll always remember about her her laughter and her generosity and her smile. Clair, I will truly miss you. Love you, dear friend.
Darcy
Candy Kozlak
May 30, 2025
You will be missed. Rest in peace
Sandra L Steinfeldt
May 30, 2025
Claire was like the younger sister l never had ... we would start laughing at something only her and l really heard and there were times we'd start singing oldies and laugh for no reason .. she was great fun to be around and to enjoy life with.
Gail McDonnell
May 30, 2025
We are saddened to hear of Claire´s passing. She was a unique and gentle person who always had a smile and time to say hello. She will be missed.
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