Claire M. "Miller" Simas

Obituary of Claire M. (Miller) Simas

Claire M. (Miller) Simas, age 88, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph F. Simas, Jr. who passed in 1989, as well as the best friend and sweetheart of Augustine "Gus" Rosone following her husband's passing.

Born in Arlington, MA on September 18, 1937, she was one of five children to the late David K. and Jessie (Leate) Miller. Claire was raised in Arlington Heights and graduated from Arlington High School with the class of 1955. She then went on to earn a certificate at Brian & Stratton Secretarial School. Following her education, Claire went on to work as a secretary for BLH in Waltham. It was here that she met her adoring husband Joe, who was working there as a draftsman. The two quickly fell in love and were happily married in 1959 before moving to Woburn to start their life together.

In 1964, Claire and Joe settled down in Burlington to raise their four children in a home filled with love, kindness, and plenty of peppermint stick ice cream. Claire always found time set aside to make lasting memories with her children, and later with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She looked forward to baking or cooking with them; her gingerbread houses were a much anticipated tradition during the holidays. She relished the time together around Christmas, having sleepovers to put the tree up and being surrounded by her adoring family. Her yearly Thanksgiving Blessing was epic and eagerly awaited by all. Claire also had her own rendition of Happy Birthday that her family continues to sing to this day. Claire had fond memories of yearly family trips down to Cape Cod to visit the Baskin family, where they would fish, swim, and bask in the joy of being together.

Claire loved to paint. Whether it was a card, scenic piece, or something fun and beautiful to send to her grandchildren, she found great solace in painting throughout the years. She was a 50 year member of the Grace Bible Church, where she was a devoted and beloved member of their weekly bible studies. She was also a member of UCC Burlington, where she would send cards and bake goods when able. Following her retirement from Lahey Clinic in 2009 after 25 years of service, she was able to find time to volunteer at the Burlington Food Pantry and at Lahey Oncology and Internal Medicine. Her kind, gentle nature and innate ability to nurture and love the people around her truly made Claire one of a kind.

Following her beloved husband Joe's passing, Claire found a companion in their longtime friend, Gus. Traveling was something they always looked forward to, jetting off to places like Bermuda, Nova Scotia, and even Ireland with their neighborhood friends. Claire also looked forward to her trips to North Carolina and Florida to visit her adoring children and grandchildren. To her core, Claire was a loving, devoted and steadfast wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always made time for what was truly important in life, and the loving, lasting memories she made with her family and friends are a testament to her unending love for them.

Along with her dear partner, Gus, Claire is survived by her loving children, Michelle Simas and her husband Rob Bond of Raleigh, NC, Stephen Simas and his wife Nancy Love of Pittsburg, NH, and Marianne Simas of Somerville, MA; her cherished grandchildren, Krystyna Barinas, Danielle Simas, Jackie Chica, Rachael Simas, Christian Valcich, Brandon Valcich, Violet Corcoran, Joseph Corcoran, Austin Corcoran, Wyatt Bond, and Ethan Bond; and her 14 incredible great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, as well as many other dear family members and friends.

Claire was the adoring mother of the late Joey Simas who passed in 1990. This was a defining moment in her life and she relied heavily on her faith during this time. She was also a dear sister of the late Jessie Smith, David Miller, John Miller, and Thomas Miller.

Claire had two long term friends from first grade! She, Alice Morgan, and the late Barbara Malloy called themselves the "ABC Girls" and spent many an afternoon sharing tea and treats. Claire had a sweet tooth and treated herself to two pieces of dark chocolate every day.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Claire's Funeral Service on Saturday, October 25th at 11 am at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 6 Lexington St., Burlington. Burial will immediately follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Claire's honor may be made to BreakthroughT1d.org.