Shrewsbury – Claire A. (Dion) Racine, age 92, most recently of Shrewsbury and formerly South Yarmouth, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, September 18, 2023. She passed in the comfort of home, in the presence of her loving family.
Claire leaves her beloved husband of 73 years, Richard G. Racine; their children: Ronald Racine and wife Elaine, of Portsmouth, RI, Richard Racine and wife Gale, of Shrewsbury, John Racine, of Sunrise, FL, and Marc Racine and wife Susan, of Center Ossipee, NH; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Fr. Louis Dion, Irene Gigniliat, Sr. Beatrice Dion, Lucille Osborne, Sr. Therese Dion, Doris Racine, Jeanne Robertshaw, and Richard Dion.
Claire was born in Worcester to the late Ferdinand and Cora (Birtz) Dion, and was raised and educated in Worcester as well. She graduated from Holy Name High School.
Her early professional career was spent as Secretary to the former Judge Jaquith, before becoming a Trust Administrator at Bowditch and Dewey Law Firm. Claire enjoyed this work for many years before retirement, when she and Richard moved to the Cape, and she became Secretary at the Child Support Program under the Barnstable Sheriff. Most recently, she worked as Secretary at St. Pius X Church in South Yarmouth, which she loved.
In her free time, Claire was an avid reader, enjoyed walking – among her community at Southgate, she was known as “the Walker,” where she would make her daily laps within the expansive buildings. Claire was a wonderful seamstress, and even taught sewing in the Arlington School System and offered lessons in her home. She loved her grandchildren more than anything, and would spend hours with them playing board games (or anything they wanted to, for that matter!).
Claire’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of JHC Hospice, Guardian Angels, and especially to Elizabeth, for their loving care during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Racine family from 9 – 10:30 AM on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM next door at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.
