Claire B. Palys

CLAIRE B. PALYS HOOKSETT, NH – Claire B. (Soucy) Palys, 79, died Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Elliot Hospital in Manchester. She was born on September 12, 1929 in Manchester, NH, the daughter of the late Ovide and Marie Louise (Pellerin) Soucy. Members of her family include five sons, Francis J. Palys, of South Portland, ME; Robert J. Palys, of Hooksett; Roger D. Palys, of Avondale Estates, GA; Alfred P. Palys, of Manchester; James R. Palys, of Weare, NH; three daughters, Agnes L. McLean, of San Antonio, TX; Marie A. Carothers, of Goffstown; Irene M.C. Mercier, of Royal Palm Beach, FL; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Jeanne T. LeMay, of Norway, SC; Yvonne D. Ellison, of Hudson, NH; and several nieces and nephews. IN HER LIFE: Claire resided in Manchester for most of her life, only moving to Hooksett three years ago. She was the best mother anyone could ever hope for, and a wonderful and caring grandmother. She made all of the Holidays special, giving her family so many good memories and traditions to cherish and pass down to future generations. She was the Recording Secretary for the Catholic Order of Foresters, Laval Court #488, for 32 years, from 1966 to 1998. After her husband, Joseph F. Palys, died in February 1975, she went to Hesser College and earned an Associates Degree in 1980 while she continued to raise ten children on her own. She was a devoted Catholic and loved children. She taught CCD classes at St. John the Baptist Parish (now Parish of the Transfiguration) for a number of years. She also worked for many years as a contact person for the parish food pantry. In February of 1988, she was awarded a plaque of appreciation for helping the Parish with a plan to eliminate the debt on the new church. She was also a member of the Dames de St. Anne. In later years, even when confined to a bed and wheelchair, she always maintained high spirits and never complained. She loved reading, working on crossword puzzles, enjoyed nature and learning new cooking techniques and recipes. She kept in touch with family and friends with greeting cards for all the occasions, all hand written, having learned to write with her left hand after she could no longer use her right. She was predeceased by a daughter, Jane S. Palys, who died on February 14, 2007; a son, Raymond J. Palys, who died on January 12, 2009; a brother, Ernest R. Soucy, who died on January 26, 2005; and a sister, Rita Y. Soucy, who died on September 2, 2007. SERVICES: Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 27, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover Street, corner of Union Street, in Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, 10:00 AM at the Parish of the Transfiguration, Kelley Street, in Manchester. Committal prayers and burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Manchester. It has been suggested that those who wish may make memorial gifts to the Parish of the Transfiguration, 107 Alsace Street, Manchester, NH 03102.