HAMPSTEAD, NH: Claire F. Desmarais, 84, a resident of Hampstead since 1995 and formerly of Haverhill MA, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on April 24, 2025 at Cedar Healthcare Center in Portsmouth NH from Alzheimers.

Born and raised in Haverhill, MA, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Blanche (Lemoine) Fournier. She attended St. James High School and has fond memories of her classmates, several of whom remained close friends, and their numerous reunions. She attended daily mass before school.

First and foremost in Claire's life, was her love of God. Her faith was the cornerstone throughout her life and got her through many difficult times. Her daughter, Donna, joined the Benedictine Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Westfield, VT in 2001, making her final vows in 2009 and choosing her religious name, Sr Claire Joseph.  Even though this is a cloistered order, Claire often said "having a nun in the family is the highest honor a Catholic mother can have!"  She cherished trips to visit her.

Claire often spoke fondly about her upbringing and the unconditional love and faith her family shared. She often reminisced about growing up on the farm with her eleven siblings and running around with her two younger brothers, Joe and Dickie; jumping from the barn into the fall leaves. She was overjoyed by the honor of being a namesake to her great-niece, Claire Fournier, bestowed upon her by Joe's son, Tom.  She enjoyed helping at her families' donut shop, Fournier Donuts.

She was employed at Lucent Technologies for over twenty years until her retirement in 1994. She worked split shifts with her husband, Al, working full time while raising five children (whom she had in seven years)--her three oldest daughters being Irish triplets. Prior to Lucent, she worked in a shoe factory in downtown Haverhill, often bringing heels home to cover for extra pay. She never complained, always happy. She was a devoted member of St. Anne's Parish in Hampstead and a former member of St. Joseph's Parish in Haverhill.  She attended mass daily and served as a lector for many years. All that knew her loved her for her warm welcoming smile, compassion and love she extended to everyone she met.

A dedicated and loving wife and matriarch of five, Claire was a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Bingo and socializing with her Emerson Retirement Village friends, attending the monthly lunch bunch outings.  Claire was an avid swimmer. She was a fish and loved swimming in the pool at Emerson and the lake in E. Hampstead.  She loved the ocean; whether it was walking along the boardwalk or sitting on a bench just enjoying the view and the sea air.  Claire was an avid Patriot fan and enjoyed watching Sunday football with her son, Michael.

She is survived by her five children; a son, Michael Desmarais and his partner, Paula Dill of Haverhill; four daughters, Maureen LeFrancois and her wife, Lori of Derry, Marlene Eccles of Derry, Donna Desmarais (Sr. Claire Joseph, OSB) of Westfield, Vt., and Cynthia Bastille and her husband, David of Plaistow; three sisters-in-law, Joan Kelley of Maynard, MA, Carolyn Radzwill of Haverhill (and husband, Steve) and Jean Desmarais from Inverness, FL; eleven grandchildren, Keith Stickney, Donald Denman, Peter Desmarais, Chantal LeFrancois, Brian Eccles, Marissa Claire Denman, Melanie Eccles, Audrey Eccles, Daniel Desmarais, Kasey Knapp, Kristin Bastille, Jon Bastille. Great-grandchildren, Bentley, Chaz, Elsi and Madelyn; several nieces, nephews and friends. Special life-long friends, Norma Alartosky, Jeannine and Joan Desmarais Kelley (who she met her husband, Al through) and several classmates from St James High School.

She is predeceased by her husband, Albert Desmarais, eleven siblings; brothers, Paul, J. Gerard, Normand, Henry, Robert, Joseph and Richard, and sisters, Helene, Lucille, Louise and Rita.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Healthcare Center for their amazing care and support, and, also, the hospice care team, Corpus Christie Parish and Chaplain Loretta Mangano.

Relatives and friends may call on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. Her funeral will begin on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. from the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. at St. Anne's Church, 26 Emerson Avenue, Hampstead, N.H. A private burial will be in West Hampstead Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Anne Parish Charitable Outreach, P.O. Box 339, Hampstead, NH 03826. For directions or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com.