Claire Jeanette Jeffrey

Claire Jeanette (Galarneau) Jeffrey, 75, former business owner, downtown business advocate and tireless volunteer, of Kendall Avenue, Attleboro, died on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at the Epoch Senior Healthcare of Norton where she resided for the past 13 months following a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert D. Jeffrey to whom she was married on September 26, 1958 and who died on January 28, 2003. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on October 19, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Oliver and Florence (Messier) Galarneau. Raised and educated in her native community of Pawtucket, Mrs. Jeffrey was a graduate of the former Pawtucket East High School and attended Rhode Island School of Design. Her entire professional career centered on retail sales having first been employed at Sillmans Shoes and Coughlin Shoes. She later opened Claires Casuals, a landmark womens retail clothing store, in downtown Attleboro and owned and operated the business from November 6, 1988 until her retirement on March 31, 2009. She will be lovingly remembered for her love for her customers each and every one of them. Her store often became a community center of sorts for the downtown area. Previously, Mrs. Jeffrey was employed by Metals and Controls and at Miladys both in Attleboro. She was tirelessly devoted to the community and volunteered every time she was asked by anyone for all aspects of the betterment of the community. Mrs. Jeffrey attended Centenary United Methodist Church, Attleboro. She was a member of numerous professional and community organizations including the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Attleboro Associates. The Jeffrey family gratefully acknowledges the tender, loving care provided to Mrs. Jeffrey by members of the staff at Epoch Senior Healthcare of Norton over the past thirteen months. She leaves three children: David A. Jeffrey of Cranston, Rhode Island; Barbara A. Greve of Attleboro and Jane E. Jeffrey of Attleboro; a daughter-in-law: Carol Ann M. (Hebert) Jeffrey of Attleboro, wife of her late son, John Robert Jeffrey, who died on May 24, 2008; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a sister: Jeannette Pare of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; two brothers: Oliver Galarneau of Attleboro and Omer Galarneau of South Attleboro; several nieces and nephews, extended family members, friends and countless business colleagues and loyal customers. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Friday, July 15, 2011 from 4:00 6:45 PM in the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral immediately following visitation on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Kenneth Boyle, Pastor of Candleberry Chapel, South Main Street, Attleboro, officiating. Burial will be private in Hillside Cemetery, Attleboro. Childrens room available during visitation and the funeral. Following funeral services on Friday evening, July 15, 2011 an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship, refreshments and remembrance at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) 3 organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit the American Diabetes Association and the Resident Activities Fund at Epoch Senior Healthcare of Norton. Please specify which organization donations should be forwarded. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.