Claire Theresa (Montmarquet) Jacques, 97, of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at Bedford Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Manchester on August 14, 1929, Claire was the daughter of Julien and Marie (St. Laurent) Montmarquet.

Claire will be remembered for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and her honesty. She never left anyone wondering what was on her mind and had a gift for bringing laughter and candid conversation to those around her. Throughout her life, she generously volunteered her time and talents to numerous organizations and causes that were important to her. Claire also loved to travel, embrace new experiences, and seek out adventure. Above all else, she cherished her family and always made time for her daughter and three granddaughters, who brought her immense pride and joy.

Claire began her career at Amoskeag Textile Mills, working specifically for Pandora Knitting Industries, where she spent many years. In December 1982, she was featured in National Geographic magazine in an article highlighting New Hampshire's French-Canadian heritage. Claire represented her mother, who emigrated from Quebec to work in the mills, one of many whose contributions helped shape the state's rich cultural history. Later in life, Claire worked at Saint Anselm College.

Claire was predeceased by her parents, Julien and Marie Montmarquet; her husband, Donald E. Jacques; and her siblings, Russell Montmarquet, Robert Montmarquet, Annette Guy, and Lorraine Jette.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Fernandes) Pinsonneault and her husband, David Pinsonneault, of Manchester; her granddaughter, Samantha Pinsonneault and her wife, Alyssa, of Manchester; her granddaughter, Julia Blease, of Rochester, New Hampshire; and her granddaughter, Elise Pinsonneault, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, October 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. A committal service will immediately follow at Mount Calvary Mausoleum.

Assisting with the arrangements is Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Manchester. To view Claire's online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, please visit www.phaneuf.net.