Claire Jean Sheridan

Claire Jean Sheridan, 81, of Dover, New Hampshire, passed away on October 4, 2023. She was born on March 22, 1942, the daughter of William and Jean Effinger. She grew up with her parents and siblings William, Karen, Laurie and David in Long Island, New York.

Claire attended public schools in West Hampstead and Glen Cove and then studied English literature at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Special Education to the Deaf at NYU in New York City. From 1965-1967, Claire taught deaf students at the Virginia State School for the Deaf in Hampton, Virginia, before moving to Dover, New Hampshire in 1971.

For over forty years, Claire worked as a teacher and interpreter of the deaf in Somersworth, Portsmouth, Durham and Rochester. She also taught American Sign Language classes at the University of New Hampshire from 1978 - 2008. Claire loved her work in the Deaf community, and she was loved by her students and peers. She was not only an excellent teacher, but also a steadfast advocate for her students and fellow interpreters.

Claire was a resident of Dover, New Hampshire for over 50 years, and loved its charms and flaws. Her years there, particularly raising her two sons on Back Road, were years she cherished. She loved so many things: Irish poetry and literature, opera and jazz, her dogs and cats, her garden and field, the art of cooking, devouring and sharing good books, her family and friends, and, most especially, her three grandchildren.

Claire was warm, generous and a wonderful friend. She was also quite funny and wanted to be remembered that way. All who survive her will miss her sharp intellect, humor, laughter, and love of great food.

Claire was predeceased by her brother David, her parents William and Jean Effinger and ex-spouse Christopher F. Sheridan. She is survived by her brother Bill (Eleanor) Effinger of Atlanta, Georgia, and sisters Karen (Richard) Otto of Bowie, Maryland and Laurie Davidson of Medford, Massachusetts, several nieces and nephews, and her two sons: Christopher and his wife Maureen of Wenatchee, Washington and Jeremy and his wife Amy of Fairfax, Virginia, and their children. Her grandchildren Alyx (16), Tucker (14) and Jax (10) were the light of her life. Claire's close friends in Dover - particularly Lori Wilson, Rachel Johnson, and Roz Grant - were her lifeline, and her family is profoundly grateful for their kindness, generosity, and support.

A person of compassion, grace, and love, Claire's spirit will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Saint Joseph's/Parish of the Assumption Church at 1:00 pm in Dover, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite animal welfare or humanitarian charity in Claire's name.