Claire Sullivan

OXFORD - Claire L. (Gregoire) Sullivan, 63, peacefully passed away on January 2, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with peritoneal cancer. She was at home surrounded by her loving family. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband of 40 years, Daniel M. Sullivan; a daughter, Erin L. Sullivan and her wife Gretchen M. Randolph of Washington, DC; her son, Sean M. Sullivan of Flint Hill, VA; her sister and best friend, Joan M. Houle of Charlton, MA and a brother-in law Jim Sullivan of Dennis Port, MA. In addition, she leaves nephews and nieces including Shannon Houle and a Godchild Danielle (Houle) Burt. Claire was born and raised in Spencer, MA, and graduated from David Prouty High School. She served as an elementary school secretary in the Oxford School system for 27 years and was highly thought of by students and peers alike. There was always something that would catch your attention on her desk. Whether it be a mini high heal or a tea pot. She retired in October of 2009. Mrs. Sullivan was an avid golfer, shopper and traveler. She enjoyed going to the Cape and Florida. Most recently she traveled to Paris to take in all it had to offer. She was a member of the Oxford Woman's Club and Monday night Women's Golf League at Pine Ridge Country Club. She taught CCD at St. Roch's Church and volunteered for the Worcester County Food Bank. Claire loved life and lived it to the fullest and her family and friends meant the world to her. She had a grace about her that she showed until the very end. The family would personally and sincerely like to thank the entire medical staff of UMass Memorial South 5. A special thanks to Dr. Ball, Dr. Lambert and Dr. Zeizwig for their compassion and tireless efforts. They would also like to thank UMass Memorial Hospice for the loving care provided in her final weeks. A funeral Mass for Claire will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford. Prior to the funeral Mass, friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Claire L. Sullivan Fund and mailed to Webster Five Savings Bank, 353 Main Street Oxford, MA 01540. All proceeds will be donated to Primary Peritoneal Cancer Research.