Claire P. Locke

Our dear mother, Claire P. Locke, sadly passed away on November 6, 2023 at the age of 91.

Claire was born on June 18, 1932 in New Hampshire, daughter of Adelaide and Sadie (Therrien) Fournier.  She attended school at Sacred Heart Catholic School.  She was a devout Catholic her entire life and was a communicant at Christ the King Parish in Concord.  In her younger years, she worked at Foster Grant.  She also enjoyed working the counter at Woolworth’s, working at Southern N.H. University, and ultimately retiring from Freudenberg-NOK.  

Claire was very active and outgoing throughout her life. She was an avid bowler winning many trophies during her time in leagues at The King Bowling Alley in Pinardville.  She also spent many years with the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Organization, making many friends and going on many fun-filled retreats.  She also enjoyed snowmobiling and traveling with her late husband, Ken.

Claire had an amazing sense of humor and loved to make everyone laugh.  She also was a great yodeler.  She was blessed with a beautiful voice.  As a singer, she touched many hearts through her various performances at weddings, TOPS events, choral societies, her first husband’s band (The Canadian Rockers), as well as on the Mt. Washington Cruise Boat.  

Claire is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Locke.  She is survived by her children including Theresa (Martel) Lemay, Daniel Martel, Maureen (Martel) Desmarais, Jacqueline Martel, and Michele (Martel) Cote and her husband, Steven.  Claire was the grandmother of Keith, Kevin, Tracie, Danielle, Christopher, Deborah, Thomas, Steven, Kayla, Jonathan, and Joshua.  She was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.  She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.  

Claire was predeceased by her first husband, Albert A. Martel (2009) as well as their two sons, David R. Martel (2022) and Stephen A. Martel (2022).  She is predeceased by her 9 brothers and sisters.  

Services:  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 5-7 p.m. at The Phaneuf Funeral Home & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 172 Belmont Street, Manchester.  Interment in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum immediately after Mass followed by a luncheon.  Family and friends are invited to attend all services and luncheon.