Claire DeGrandpre

Claire (Thayer) DeGrandpre, 78 FREEPORT -- Claire (Thayer) DeGrandpre, of Freeport, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2009. She was born June 17, 1930, in Hamilton, Mass., to Leroy Thayer and Sarah (Southwick) Thayer. She was raised in a home with great love and value for family, friends and community. She graduated from Hamilton High School, class of 1948, where she excelled in field hockey and business classes. After graduation she worked for the Foot Delight Shoe Company, with one of her duties being a shoe model. Her grandchildren were always amused by her modeling stories and her appearance in Life Magazine. Claire married Charles (Charlie) DeGrandpre, her beloved husband of 57 years, on Aug. 18, 1951. They had four sons, Richard, David, James and Charles Jr. (Chuck). In 1968, the family moved from Topsfield, Mass. to Freeport. Charlie was the farm manager at Wolfe's Neck Farm where they raised their children. She cared for her four boys while also doing administrative work for the farm. Claire and Charlie's years at the farm will always be treasured memories for the family. At family gatherings, Claire was known for telling stories of the boys and their adventures around the farm. During the winter months, Claire and Charlie enjoyed traveling throughout the South and Southwest visiting family, friends and of course the casinos. With Charlie at the wheel, she carefully planned out their journey, getting the most out of each road adventure. Each trip brought new anecdotes, laughs and a unique assortment of gifts that she would bring home to share with the family. Claire was very competitive and loved playing games, especially cards and dominos. Claire also loved her New England sports teams. She was passionate about following the Red Sox and Patriots and was an avid Nascar fan. Nothing pleased Claire more than being surrounded by her family, especially during the holidays and family events. She possessed a great sense of humor and wit; qualities admired by those who knew her. Her unconditional love, wisdom and compassion made her a pleasure to be with. She considered her eight grandchildren to be a great gift and nurtured a special relationship with each one. Many close friends were an important part of her life as well. She and Charlie spent evenings visiting and regularly playing cards with their friends. Claire will be sadly missed by her husband Charlie; son Rich and his wife Judy, son Jim, son Chuck and his wife Cheryl, and daughter-in-law Gloria Fogg DeGrandpre, all of Freeport. She leaves behind her sisters Betty and husband Raymond Gosselin of Kingston, N.H., and June and husband Ray Whitcomb of Kingston, N.H. She adored her grandchildren, Katharine of South Portland, Karen of Exeter, N.H., Hannah of Brunswick, Laura of Woburn, Mass., Michael of Freeport, Sarah of Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth and Matthew of Freeport. She was predeceased by son David; and brother Charles Thayer. Visiting hours will be held from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2009, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 326 Main St., Freeport. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the DeGrandpre family by visiting www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Maine Affiliate - Susan G. Komen for the Cure P.O. Box 1626 Bangor, Maine 04402-1626 Claire (Thayer) DeGrandpre Lindquist Funeral Home Funeral Home & Cremation Service 846-4011