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Claire Quintal Obituary
Worcester - Dr. Claire Quintal of Worcester died on April 30th 2020 in St. Vincent Hospital, two days after her 90th birthday following a brief decline in health.
She was renowned as a French scholar, internationally and nationally known speaker, author, editor, and translator.
In her academic career, she was a college and university professor and Founder, emerita, of the French Institute at Assumption College,
Dr. Quintal was born in Central Falls, RI, to Armand and Helene (Messier) Quintal and was the eldest of six children. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Armand and her sister, Marcelle (Quintal) Arthur. She leaves her sister, Sister Rollande Quintal, Sisters of St. Anne, of Worcester, her brother Henry and his wife Marilyn Quintal of Florida and her sister Cecile Quintal of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews; cousins and other extended family members.
With an endless love for learning, Claire earned academic degrees with highest honors: a B.A. degree in French from Anna Maria College, an M.A. degree from the University of Montreal and a PhD degree from the University of Paris.
She taught at the secondary school level in Central Falls, RI and at the college and university levels in Paris at the American College, in Worcester at Assumption College, where she also served as Dean of the Graduate School and at Clark University in Worcester.
She has received honorary degrees from Assumption College in Worcester, her alma mater, Anna Maria College in Paxton and St. Michael's College in Winooski, VT.
Claire Quintal is a Chevalier of France's Legion of Honor and is also an Officer in its National Order of Merit.
She stood proudly among the first group of Americans to be awarded the Congressionally-sponsored Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986.
Claire worked on the creation and dedication of the Franco American Monument in Quebec. The monument was erected for the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city and celebrates the strong cultural and economic ties between Quebec and New England.
In retirement as in her more active years, idle was not in her vocabulary. She turned her attention to translating, lecturing, and writing and was a consultant to former colleagues and French academics in need of her wide expertise.
It has been written that it would take a 500 page biography to do justice to Claire Quintal. Claire Quintal was a loving, supportive, mentoring and encouraging big sister to her siblings, and a role model to the next generations and extended family. She was loyal and devoted, a generous and endearing friend, a proud Franco-American woman who enjoyed life and her death will be grieved as a major loss.
In accord with current restrictions due to the pandemic, funeral services were private. Family and friends will gather in Claire's memory at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Claire Quintal Memorial Scholarship Fund at Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA. Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave. Worcester, MA.
ricefuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Claire Quintal
Sponsored by Rice Funeral Home - Worcester.
Beverly George, Virginia
August 19, 2022
I will always remember and be grateful to Dean Claire Quintal. As a young graduate student at then Assumption College, I sought her counsel to allow me to take 5 courses one summer in 1974 so that I could graduate in May, 1975. She approved my request, given the fact that I was teaching high school English full-time during the year and had the summer free to fully devote to my studies. She examined my strong academic performance at that point, and signed off on allowing me to take an overloaded summer schedule. A few months later, I saw her at commencement when I graduated summa cum laude with a Master's Degree in Psychology & Counseling. That degree opened many doors for me in my life. I will always be grateful for her kindness and professionalism. Claire was a very special person and a blessing for many people who had the fortunate opportunity to meet her and know her.
Donita Balboni Bell
June 18, 2021
On Saturday, June 19, 2021, a Mass of the Resurrection is being offered to all who died during the pandemic at my parish. I have submitted my mother's cousin, Dr. Claire Quintal, as one to be remembered. She has been in my mind all week.
Edna Robitaille
June 26, 2020
We were sadden to hear of Dr Claire Quintal's passing. We have wonderful memories of her selfless efforts to advance the french culture in speeches and presentations over the years. She drove out to our community of Springfield, Ma and was an inspiring speaker to the "circle of french ladies" many times over the years. We appreciated it so much. She was an inspiring speaker and wonderful friend. May God bless her abundantly. Edna Rocheleau Robitaille, South Hadley, Ma.
Camille Verdesca Massol
May 15, 2020
I am so grateful to Dr Quintal (and other members of the French Department at Assumption College) for their instruction and motivation that led me to an international career, including 30 years living in Paris. I had such admiration for this strong woman, ahead of her time, and all that she achieved. Camille Verdesca Massol, Assumption College, Class of 1974
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Wayne Shepperd
May 15, 2020
A classy professor of French. Honored to have learned from her.
Doris R Brodeur
May 15, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Quintal family, especially to her sisters, Sr. Rollande and Cecile, my high-school chemistry teacher -- all three inspiring women for whom I am grateful.
natalie pastore
May 14, 2020
Although, I didn't know her personally, as a student at Anna Maria College I was very familiar with her accomplishments. I will always rememeber her.
Paulette LaBarre
May 9, 2020
A wonderful woman! A great intellect and a big heart!
Joanne McDonnell
May 9, 2020
My sincere condolences to her family especially Sister Rolland Quintal who has been such an important part of my time at Anna Maria College.
Judith Pannirello
May 9, 2020
My condolence to the family of cousin Claire. She had a full and productive life.
She was highly spoken of by my mom, Gertrude Quintal Balboni.
Donita Bell
May 9, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to Cousin Claire's family. My mother and I met her about four decades ago in Chicopee at her French decendent booth. She impressed me so much. She even translated some french postcards for me that I found upon the death of St. Padre Pio that was written by a nun whose mother lived in Montreal. She will always be in my mind and heart.
Andre Dargis
May 6, 2020
Claire was a brilliant and dedicated scholar. She helped keep alive French culture in our society. She was a wonderful colleague among the faculty at Assumption. She never failed to support and encourage me in all my endeavors at the College. Her soul now rests in the loving embrace of our God.
Father Andre Dargis
May 5, 2020
Claire was a good friend and strong supporter of Notre Dame Academy. We will always remember her as advisor who helped to bring the plans to have Gage House become an international hub to life. With our deepest sympathies-
Lisa Mancini
Head of School
Notre Dame Academy
May 5, 2020
My deepest sympathy and prayers. Claire was an extraordinary person. May she rest in peace.
Sister Ellen Guerin, RSM
May 5, 2020
Claire has been a dear friend for many decades, and I already miss her deeply. I was closely associated with her brother, Armand, and his family. We are all the better for having known Claire over so many years, and all the poorer for having lost her to the viral pandemic. God bless her and her remaining family members.
George C. Brown, OMI
May 5, 2020
Claire was a classy lady! She added dignity
to our Franco-American heritage. Bob Potvin
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