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Claire Spellman Obituary
She was the daughter of James Keane and Isabella Davidson Kemp Keane.
She was married for sixty-seven years to long time Stonington First Selectman James M. Spellman, who survives her.
Claire was a 1937 graduate of Westerly High School, the last class to graduate from the old Westerly High School. She attended nursing school at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Providence, and maintained a lifelong interest in medical science.
She served as Democratic State Central Committeewoman for the 18th senatorial district and took great pride that, as for her first act, she seconded the nomination of Dr. C. John Satti to encourage Sen. John F. Kennedy to seek the presidency.
She was an avid reader with a keen intellect.
Claire is also survived by her sons, Westerly High School Assistant Principal James Spellman, Jr. and his wife, Judith, of Noank, Atty. Steven Spellman and his wife, Pamela, of Stonington and Connecticut State Police Lieutenant Michael Spellman and his wife, Heather, of Pawcatuck. She is also survived by a sister, Priscilla Campbell and her husband, Donald. She leaves behind ten grandchildren, Lisa Moran, Lara Cole, David Cummings, Tonya Morgan, Brian Cummings, Dana Fusaro, Kelly Rae Spellman, Robert Keane Spellman, Michael Keane Spellman and Hannah Claire Spellman; as well as sixteen great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by two daughters, Patricia Spellman in infancy and Sheila Spellman Svantesson, of Sherman, Maine in 2008. She was also predeceased by her sister, Margaret Keane and her brother, James Keane.
Claire had a unique ability to find the good in every person and situation she encountered. She loved her family, her faith and her country.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck, followed by interment in St. Michael's Cemetery. Calling hours are omitted. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements.
For online condolences go to www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.
Family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations in her memory be made to the Stonington Visiting Nurses Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claire Spellman
Sponsored by anonymous.
September 28, 2012
missing you right now claire bear
Jeanne Rogers
January 27, 2010
Mike, Heather & family:
My deepest sympathy goes out to you at the loss of your mother. Try to remember she is not gone forever, as she will live on through you.
Jeanne Rogers
Wayne Pescatello
January 22, 2010
The Spellman Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
K and Wayne
Joe & Kathy Coco
January 21, 2010
Dear Jim Sr. and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Claire's passing. Wishing all of you comfort, hope and peace.
January 21, 2010
Mike;
Pat & I express our deepest sympathy to you and the family for your loss. We know you will miss Mom very much. However, you will remember the great times and memories you shared for many years.
Bill and Pat Mignault
Ledyard CT Jan 21, 2010
Steven Daggett
January 20, 2010
Mike, I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and the entire Spellman Family. May you find some peace in your loss. My heart and prayers are with you and may God Bles this wonderful family.
Steve Daggett and family
Ledyard, Ct.
Andy Dreher
January 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Spellman family at this difficult and sad time. May God bless you all.
The Dreher Family
January 20, 2010
Together with my mother,Kay Donohue, I would like to express our sympathy at this time of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Cathy Donohue Lathrop
Bob & Jody Whipple
January 20, 2010
Dear Cummings Grandchildren,
Our thoughts are with you during this time. May you find comfort and joy in all of your memories, and peace in your hearts knowing that Gram is now joined in Heaven with your Mom.
God Bless,
Heather Spellman
January 20, 2010
My late Grandmother Thelma and Claire were close friends and the wisdom of that generation was special. Even when she was ill recently, no matter how tired or how much pain Claire was in she was always glad to see you. Claire was someone that you knew loved and cared about you. Tea or coffee, banana bread and blonde brownies served daily with a serving of love on the side. She was happiest when her stone eggs were scattered all over the living room floor with a grandchild or great grandchild playing with them. R.I.P. Claire Bear you will never be forgotten.
Doug Greene
January 20, 2010
It is impossible for me to think about Claire without a smile. I recall stopping by on New Year's Day and Claire schooling me on the Irish traditions of the "first foot fall" of the new year. Claire was so well read, with a big heart and a gift for conversation that was delightful. She helped me see the interesting parts of politics and the world. And, for those who were lucky enough to find her favor, Claire's loyalty could not be matched.
Through many years, and not a few miles, her memory has not, and will not fade.
My deepest condolences to the Spellman family,
Doug
David Pacheco Jr
January 20, 2010
The Spellman Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill Satti and family
January 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May God bless her soul as we pray for her and the entire Spellman family
PATRICIA LOGAN SHAFER
January 20, 2010
TO THE ENTIRE SPELLMAN FAMILYS, WERE ALL SO SORRY OF YOUR MOM AND GRAND MOTHER ON HER PASSING ! WE ALL SEND YOU ALL OUR VERY DEEPEST SYMPATHYS TO ALL OF YOU. OUR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES ALSO. THE LOGAN FAMILYS, PAWCATUCK CT
January 20, 2010
The Spellman family would like to thank the Nurses and staff at The Pendleton Facility, Westerly Health Center, Westerly Hospital and lastly to Dr. Roy Main and staff for the quality care provided Claire during her illness. Your professionalism and caring is deeply appreciated.
January 20, 2010
To the Spellman family
My sympathy on your loss. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
al almeida
January 20, 2010
The Men and Women of Connecticut State Police Troop K Colchester send their deepest sympathy to the family of Lt. Spellman. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lara Cole
January 20, 2010
Grandma was a wonderful person and always a joy to visit. She and I would sit for hours talking about everything and everyone, just catching up. She will be greatly missed. To my family: I wish for you long lasting memories and a smile when she pops into your thoughts. Until we meet again Grandma, you will now be my diamond in the sky.
Much Love to all,
Lara
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