Claire M. Witherell, of Waldoboro, passed away Feb. 21 at her home.
She was born in Hartford, Conn., the daughter of the late Richard and Ruth (Holman) Molloy. She grew up in Glastonbury, Conn. and summered in Cushing and Friendship since early childhood. As a teenager, she met the love of her life while sailing off of Martin Point, Friendship. Six years later she married Charles Witherell of West Hartford, Conn. and they enjoyed 42 years of happiness together.
She attended Lasell Junior College, outside of Boston, and earned a BA from the University of Hartford.
She was a kindergarten teacher by training, stopped to raise a family and then pursued different positions working with children. She left a position in the Canton, Conn. schools working as a special education aide when she and Charlie retired to Waldoboro in 1999 from Simsbury, Conn.
Claire had only been a Waldoboro resident for 10 years but she loved her community and delighted in working on the town gardens with the Garden Club. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed her association with the Waldoboro Library, reading to children during story hour and manning the desk for several years.
Claire loved God, her family and the community. She was always very active in her church work and was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Hartford, Conn. for 20 years and after moving to Waldoboro became a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist Damariscotta-Newcastle. She was also involved in the Martin Point Improvement Association.
Survivors include her husband, Charles Witherell of Waldoboro; daughters, Katherine and husband Michael Bock of Waldoboro, and Margaret and husband David Hubbard of West Hartford, Conn.; brother, John D. Molloy of Cushing; and grandchildren, Christopher and Philip Bock of Waldoboro, and Jeffrey and Jillian Hubbard, of West Hartford, Conn.
A date and time will be announced for a memorial service in the summer.
Donations may be made to the Waldoboro Public Library, P.O. Box 768, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Condolences to the family may be sent to hallfh@myfairpoint.net.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
