Grafton – Claire B. (Bourque) Simpson, 87, passed away peacefully at home March 24, 2019, surrounded by her family.
She leaves her husband of 58 years, John Simpson Sr.; her son, John Simpson, Jr. and his girlfriend Wendy Rogers of New Braintree; her daughter, Michelle Nurse of Longmeadow; her sister, Marguerite Bourque of Manchester, Conn.; brothers- and sisters-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews both here and in Canada.
Claire was born March 21, 1932 in Stratford, Quebec, Canada, daughter of the late Josephine (Gauthier) and Felix Bourque. She was one of 10 siblings and was predeceased by eight of them. Claire grew up on the family farm and early in her life attended a one room school house.
When she was older, she moved to Sherbrooke where she worked for the Canada Revenue Agency and also served in the Canadian Army Auxiliary. She moved to the U.S. after marrying John at St. Michael’s Basilica – Cathedral in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 1960.
Claire was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for many years. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed many trips to her native Canada and to the seashore of Hampton Beach, N.H. After her retirement she and John traveled throughout Asia with her daughter and son-in-law.
Please honor Claire in lieu of traditional remembrances with a donation to the Grafton Food Bank, PO Box 324, Grafton, MA 01519.
All are welcome to gather with Claire’s family Saturday, March 30, from 9-10:30 a.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, followed by the celebration of her funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton. She will then be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton.
A Book of Memories to share a memory of favorite story is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
