Leliose "Claire" Benoit

Leliose “Claire” Benoit, 102 years young passed away peacefully at home after a long and wonderful life filled with family, memories and love. Claire as family and friends called her, was born in Southbridge, MA. on October 5, 1920, a daughter of the late Stanislas and Othelie (LaPierre) Matte. She graduated from the former Mary E. Wells High School, Class of 1939, and attended College in Boston. Claire was an avid gardener and reader, loved playing Scrabble, and enjoyed traveling, taking many trips abroad. But mostly enjoyed spending time with her family. Claire worked as a Phlebotomist in Boston for several hospitals in her younger years before marrying Joseph “Gerard” Benoit and moving to Chicopee to raise her family. Her loving husband, Joseph passed away in 2006. Her only sibling, Juliette and husband Dollard Brousseau passed away in 2019 and 2015, leaving three daughters; Charliss, Denise, Laura, and their families. She leaves her devoted children; Jean Dougherty and husband Marty of Tolland, CT. and Robert Benoit of Hampden, MA., and Daisy who she adored, two loving grandchildren; Sean and Kevin Dougherty and two great grandchildren; Zoey & Nolan Dougherty. She leaves her brother in law, Robert Benoit and wife Lyle of West Spfld MA., and many nieces and nephews. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AT TYLUNAS FUNERAL HOME, 159 BROADWAY ST., CHICOPEE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023 FROM 10:00 TO 12 NOON FOLLOWED BY A CATHOLIC PRAYER SERVICE AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT NOON. BURIAL WILL BE MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 AT 11:00 A.M.DIRECTLY AT HILLCREST PARK CEMETERY, 865 PARKER ST., SPRINGFIELD. Donations in her memory may be made to the Dakin Animal Shelter or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.