OLD TOWN – Claire G. (Lavoie) Veilleux, 97, passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2007, at her home. She was born April 3, 1909, in Old Town, French Island, the daughter of George S. and Josephine M. (St. Pierre) Lavoie. Claire was the oldest life-long resident of French Island. After attending local schools, Claire married Rosaire L. Veilleux Sept. 14, 1935. Together they raised four children, and kept their French heritage alive by speaking French in the home until the present day. Claire was not only a caregiver for her children, but also her community. She generously gave to anyone in need. Claire loved her family. She enjoyed spending time with them and making visits to Canada. Every week Claire, her mother, sisters and nieces would get together for a sewing circle. She cherished those memories. She was a communicant of Holy Family Parish. Claire was predeceased by her husband, Rosaire L. Veilleux in 1989; parents; five brothers, Phillip, George, Rudolph, Raoul and Romeo Lavoie; six sisters, Ernestine LePage, Rose LeBlanc, Juliette Roy, Henrietta Taylor, Alvine Michaud and Estelle Voter; and a grandson, Alan Veilleux. She is survived by her three sons, Norman of Old Town, Philip and his wife, Mayre Ann, of Old Town and John and his wife, Peggy, of Dade City, Fla.; daughter, Rosemary and her husband, Owen John Folsom, of Old Town; 10 grandchildren, Suzette Osnoe of Tarpon Springs, Fla., John Veilleux of Bangor, Les Veilleux of Exeter, N.H., Victoria Burns of Holliston, Mass., Phillip Veilleux of Hermon, Troy Veilleux of Hacienda Heights, Calif., Eric Veilleux of Old Town, Jason Folsom of Old Town, Danielle Haggerty of Old Town and Travis Folsom of Old Town; 24 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many very special nieces and nephews, both here and in Canada. Visiting hours will be held 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Holy Family Parish, 429 Main St., Old Town, with the Rev. Bill Labbe celebrant. Interment at Forest Hills Cemetery, Old Town, will be in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of Birmingham Funeral Home. Those considering an expression of sympathy may make donations to Holy Family Parish, Building Fund, 429 Main St., Old Town, ME 04468.
CLAIRE G. (LAVOIE) VEILLEUX
