Claire Ann Shea (Bernard), matriarch of the Shea clan, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2021 in her sleep at home in Dennis Port at the age of 88.  A woman with incredible strength and a fighter until the end, Claire’s long battle with dementia took her to her final resting place.

               Claire was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, (Baldy), her son, Robert, and her beloved goldens Amos, Louie, and Gabe.  She is survived by her children, Cheryl Witherell, Patty Allen (Charles), John Shea (Kim), and Chris Shea; her seven grandchildren, Lindsay Quinn (Michael), David Keyes, Cameron Lambert (Kristina), Riley Lambert, Makenzie Lambert, Tim Shea Our (Ella) and Callie Nickerson; and great grandchildren, Henley Lambert, Caleb and Avery Quinn and; her brother, Richard (Janice), and sisters Judy (John) and Deborah (Elliotte).

               Claire was born in Taunton, MA to Helen and Fred Barker and grew up in Middleboro. The family eventually moved to Cape Cod and entered the restaurant business buying the Blue Belles Restaurant in Dennisport and later the Turkey Roost Restaurant. 

               It was while working with her siblings at the family-owned Blue Belles when Richard, over a cup of coffee, stole Claire’s heart and she never looked back. Baldy swept her off her feet and into a pair of water skis, as the young couple spent weekends with friends waterskiing on Pleasant Lake in Harwich.

               Claire and Richard married and raised five beautiful children.  She juggled roles of mom and housewife while working as the bookkeeper for the family company, S & J Construction. Claire was happiest when fulfilling these roles, especially when towing her crew of kids behind and she did so with grace, style, patience, and a smile in her heart.

               Claire’s dedication to volunteer services with the Town of Dennis included working the polls for many years during elections (town or country, large or small) and involvement with the Dennis Jr. Women’s Club. Claire’s dedication to the Town of Dennis never went unnoticed, she has been recognized for her years of service and contributions to the community.

               For several years, weekdays found her driving the elementary school bus with her youngest, Chris, strapped in the seat behind her.  Weekends she’d pack up the crew and head to the family camp on Nauset Beach where Claire and Baldy had many friends. Walking the beach, cookouts and cocktail parties with neighbors, clamming, and playing a mean game of cribbage was the relaxed way of “beach life” that Claire cherished.  She proudly raised “beach kids” as she watched them grow up down at the camp.

               Making sure her children had everything they needed, Claire’s talented handiwork shined in the shape of Halloween costumes, prom dresses, and clothing that were often admired by many. Mending the boy’s pants, especially the worn-out knees kept her extra busy. Claire enjoyed spending time in the gardens around her home and these were another of her pride and joy. With Claire’s green thumb came reaping the fruits of labor. She would can veggies and sauces, pickles, jams, and jellies and enjoyed sharing those with many.

                 Claire and Richard enjoyed traveling whether it be cross country in their motor home, family vacations to Florida and the Daytona 500, or cruises with friends there was always an adventure to be had seeing the good old USA.

                Claire will be remembered as a loving mother and nana, an amazing friend to all, and as she’s been called lovingly , “The First Lady of Dennisport.”

                Claire’s battle with dementia took its toll on all who love her, and the family would like to especially thank caregivers Simone Daly and Chris Shea for all of the love, friendship and dedication to care. We could not have fought this fight without you!

Family and friends are invited to call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 2:00 -4:00 P.M.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, West Harwich, MA.  Interment in Swan Lake Annex Cemetery, Depot St., Dennis Port, MA.

               Please consider a donation in Claire’s name to: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, Mass. 02481.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

So very sorry to hear of Claire’s passing… She was a very special lady… Always loved visiting with her and crazy Gabe!! He kept her on her toes.. Claire was so genuine and everyone who met her had to love her… she had such a kind heart and a wonderful sense of humor…. Hope she and Baldy are enjoying their reunion!!!