Claire J. Gosselin

Claire J. Gosselin (Durette), 90, of Manchester died December 18, 2005 at Harborside Northwood in Bedford period of declining health. Mrs. Gosselin was born on April 21, 1915 in Manchester the daughter of Jean “John” and Ida (Richard) Durette. She grew up in Manchester and attended local parochial schools. Claire, a veteran of World War, willfully served our country for seven years in both the Army and Air Force as a cook. She was honorably discharged in 1950 as a Staff Sergeant with the US Air Force. When she returned home, Claire married Odilon Gosselin and the couple moved to Litchfield where they were farmers. She enjoyed the many years she spent farming with her husband. Prior to retirement, Claire worked for the VA Hospital in Manchester as a housekeeper where she spent 22 years. She had been a parishioner of St. Jean de Baptiste for most of her life. Her husband, Odilon, of 34 years predeceased her in 1985. Family members include; one son, Jean Gosselin and his wife, Louise of Goffstown; two stepsons, Leo Gosselin and his wife, Connie of Londonderry and George Gosselin and his wife, Dagmar of Manchester; one stepdaughter, Priscilla Lavoie and her husband, Lionel of Merrimack; two grandsons, Richard Gosselin and Nicholas Gosselin both of Goffstown; six step grandsons, David Lavoie of Manchester, Steven Lavoie of Hudson, Michael Lavoie, James Lavoie and Robert Lavoie all of Merrimack and Christopher Gosselin of Manchester; eight great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Claire was predeceased by three brothers, Elphege Durette, Arthur Durette and Jean-Charles Durette and by three sisters, Yvonne Gosselin, Cecile Caron and Germaine Simard. Calling hours will be Wednesday morning from 8:00 until 9:30 AM at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 250 Coolidge Avenue with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM at Parish of the Transfiguration Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.