Claire H. "The Cookie Lady" McCaffrey

Claire H. McCaffrey, a longtime resident of Pequannock, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84 years old.

Claire was the youngest of three children, born in Paterson to the late Bernard "Chic" and Josephine "Jo" McCaffrey (née Houston). She was raised in Lincoln Park and graduated from Boonton High School. At the age of 19, Claire married Ronald Aveta, Sr. During their nearly 20 years together, they had what Claire called her "gifts"- her four children. Most importantly, those four children gifted her 10 grandchildren. Her grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy, and she cherished every moment with them.

Claire had a very strong work ethic. While she spent much of her adult life working as a waitress, her primary "day job" was that of an Administrative Assistant. She supported several organizations in this role, most of those years at Bruel & Kjaer. In her "retirement", she worked at DePaul Catholic High School in the cafeteria. Claire thoroughly enjoyed her many years at DePaul, where she was affectionately known as "The Cookie Lady" - a nickname that spoke to her generous spirit and the joy she brought to the students and staff. She stayed at DePaul until her 82nd year.

Claire lived a full and active life. She loved going to the shore, spending most of her summers visiting Ocean Grove with her beloved cousin and best friend, Gail. She was an enthusiastic spectator of sports, especially when it came to the Giants. Her favorite teams of all, however, were those that her grandchildren were a part of. Traveling was never an issue-- she would just grab a coffee, get into her white Kia and drive around the state (and to other states) to cheer on her grands. She also dearly loved being home and provided a welcoming environment for all. With an open door, Claire never minded impromptu visits from family and friends. The tea kettle was always ready, as was conversation and snacks.

Claire is survived by her children: Ronald Aveta and his wife Ruth (Priesing), Christopher Aveta and his wife Kelli (Ihnken), Jacquelyn Aveta and her husband James Gentile, and Kenneth Aveta and his wife Jodie (Sileno); and by her beloved grandchildren: Raquel, Christopher, Joshua, Gianni, Antonia, Nicalina, Brianne, Chase, Salvatore, Giulianna as well as her cousin Gail Heiner, goddaughter Jillian Goldberg and her husband Eric and their daughter Isla. She was predeceased by her brothers, Bernard Joseph 'B.J." McCaffrey and Kenneth McCaffrey.