Newburyport - Newburyport - Claire Blanche Lawrence, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 31, 2025, in Newburyport, MA.
Born in Easthampton, Massachusetts, Claire was the beloved daughter of the late Arcade and Yvonne Roy. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, George Lawrence, with whom she shared many loving years of marriage until his passing in 2016.
Claire's story with George began like something out of a classic romance —he spotted her walking down a street in Holyoke and, struck by her beauty, stopped to introduce himself. That chance meeting led to a love that spanned decades. They married a year later on May 17, 1958, and made their home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where they raised four children. Claire was deeply involved in every aspect of her children's lives—from school events and sports to family traditions—while balancing the demands of her nursing career with grace and strength.
Her calling to care for others led her to nursing school at the Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing shortly after high school. She devoted many years as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Holyoke Hospital, working alongside dedicated doctors and nurses. Later, she helped train new recruits at the Univ of PA and, after the family moved to Newburyport, took on the role of Director of Nursing at a nearby Nursing Home, guiding teams with compassion and professionalism.
Never one to shy away from reinvention, Claire later joined her husband's international contract manufacturing business in Newburyport, donning her "finance cap" to serve as Chief Financial Officer and making several business trips to Hong Kong, Taiwan and China with George. She brought the same diligence and heart to her second career as she did to her first.
Claire deeply valued her French-Canadian roots and loved taking road trips with her family to visit relatives in Canada. Those trips were filled with laughter, stories, and traditions that became treasured memories for everyone. Claire cherished the many annual summer trips she took with her family to Chatham on Cape Cod—a place that held a special place in her heart. She also loved traveling with George, often recalling their trip to Italy as one of her most treasured adventures.
Her many passions reflected her vibrant and creative spirit. She loved to sing and studied both acting and belly dancing. She was always perfecting her renowned meat pie and quiche recipes—favorites at holiday gatherings—and shared countless dances with her beloved husband George. Claire also cherished life's simple pleasures, like enjoying fried green peppers from a favorite vendor at Salisbury Beach and savoring maple walnut ice cream.
Claire was a woman of grace, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. She built a warm and welcoming home where laughter, tradition, and compassion were always present. Her nurturing presence enriched the lives of all who knew her.
She is survived by her four children: Gregory Lawrence and his partner Pamela of Henderson, NV; Thomas Lawrence and his wife Joy of Mount Pleasant, SC; Pamela Lawrence of Amesbury; and Christopher Lawrence and his partner Elvis Jimenez-Chavez of Amesbury. She also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, George and Isabella; her brothers Ronald Roy and Robert Roy and his wife Maureen; brother-in-law Ronald Lawrence; and several nieces and nephews.
Claire leaves behind a legacy of grace, compassion, and unconditional love. Her thoughtful presence and selfless devotion to her family will be forever cherished and deeply missed.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA. Claire's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. the same day at the Immaculate Conception Church, followed by burial at Oakhill Cemetery, both in Newburyport.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire's memory to a charity of one's choice.
For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claire, please visit our floral store.
Newburyport - Newburyport - Claire Blanche Lawrence, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 31, 2025, in Newburyport, MA.
Born in Easthampton, Massachusetts, Claire was the beloved daughter of the late Arcade and Yvonne Roy. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, George Lawrence, with whom she shared many loving y
Published on August 4, 2025
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
11:30 am
In Memory of Claire Blanche Lawrence