Obituary of Claire Loretta McAuliffe

Claire Loretta (Lavey) McAuliffe, a woman who dedicated her life to her family, passed away on July 12, 2022. She was 87 years old. Claire was born in Arlington. She was raised and educated in Somerville. Claire was the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Lavey. Claire was the beloved wife of the late Robert McAuliffe.  Although they first met in elementary school, it wasn’t until junior high school that Claire began dating Bob and from then on, they were inseparable . Together for 74 years, Bob and Claire were happiest when with each other. After high school Claire had the adventurous role as a flight attendant for American Airlines. She loved  her job and all the places she got to visit. After marrying her husband Bob in 1959 and moving to Burlington, she became a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Bob traveled extensively for his job, so Claire was always busy making sure that the home ran smoothly and their children got to all appointments, sporting events and school activities. As the children grew older, Claire was able to travel with Bob to Europe and Japan. They relocated to England for almost two years for Bob’s work. Claire was a great support for Bob throughout his career. She will always be remembered for her ability to converse with people from all over the world and make them feel warm and welcome. Great family memories were created on trips to Cape Cod, Florida, Bermuda, California, England and Ireland. Upon retirement, Claire and Bob sold their home in Burlington and moved to Fort Myers in Florida. They loved their 25 years in Florida creating a new group of friends. They always welcomed their children and their families to their home for frequent visits. Claire was very close with all her children and grandchildren. She would often babysit the grandchildren when they were young. Summers were spent teaching the grandchildren how to play dominoes and poker.  All the grandchildren have fond memories of spending time with Gramma which always included a trip to the mall followed by lunch and no one ever went home without the $20 “walking around money” being slipped to them as they headed out the door. Later in life, Claire could frequently be found at a bookstore or a restaurant with friends. Her favorite day would include a visit to DSW, Barnes & Noble and then lunch. Claire will be remembered as a warm, loving, enthusiastic woman who was full of life and always had a smile on her face! She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Claire was the beloved wife of the late Robert P. Loving mother of Edward McAuliffe & his wife Kathleen of Billerica, Julie Caswell & her husband Scott of Groton, Ellen Smith & her husband Brian of Amesbury, and Diane Considine & her husband John of Southern Pines, NC. Proud grandmother of Marissa Caswell Vukaj, Logan Caswell, Aislinn Smith Giangregorio, Conor Smith, Keegan & Brenna McAuliffe, and Paul & Laura Considine. Great grandmother to Peyton, Declan & Weston Smith, Rowan & Lucy Giangregorio and Luca Vukaj.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Veronica Parish, at St. Margaret Church 111 Winn St., Burlington on Wednesday, July 27 at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials in Claire’s name may be made to booksforkids.org.