Claire Poirier Eist

1927 - 2014

Claire Poirier Eist Apr. 4, 1927 - Oct. 21, 2014 MOOSUP - Claire Poirier Eist, age 87 of Moosup , passed away on October 21, 2014. She was born on April 4, 1927 in Moosup to the late Rose Dumas Poirier and Arthur Poirier. Claire was a lifelong resident of Moosup who often fondly remembered Moosup when it was a vibrant mill town, its streets lined with family owned and operated shops, doctor and dentist offices, a movie theater, wooden school houses and tree lined streets. Claire often accompanied her father and siblings delivering milk from their family farm to homes and businesses around Moosup. She attended Plainfield High School graduating Valedictorian, class of 1945. She was one of many volunteer "spotters" during WWII who searched the local skies for enemy aircraft. Claire was a long-time employee of the Plainfield School District and was instrumental in bringing fair wages and benefits to the secretarial and clerical staff at a time when these careers were dominated by skilled women who had little or no collective bargaining power. Claire was a devoted wife and mother who also enjoyed gardening, cooking, knitting, traveling and reading. Her backyard on Starkweather Rd. teamed with wildlife- where any time of the year, it was possible to see a wide variety of birds, animals and reptiles-these sightings delighted her later in life. She is predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Olaf Eist and a brother Leon Poirier. Claire is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Eist and son-in-law, Gale Hastings of Bradenton, Fl., a son, Stephen Eist of Plainfield, a sister, Doris Rekola of Brooklyn and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the staff at both Creamery Brook and Pierce Baptist Memorial Home in Brooklyn for their competence, kindness and caring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. A private funeral is planned. www.doughertybrosfuneralhome.com