Claire (Carme) Voetsch

- Claire (Carme) Voetsch, 97, of Harrison Ave., passed away Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Buckley Health Care Center.

     Claire was born in Greenfield on October 30, 1920 the daughter of Italian immigrants George and Rose (Mastantuano) Carme. Throughout her life Claire was very proud of her family heritage and close knit family ties. She loved to cook and bake for her family and hosted Sunday meals at her home for many years. Getting the family together on Sundays and especially the holidays was always a joy for Claire. She truly loved and adored her entire family. She especially enjoyed trips to the casino with her son.

     Always providing for her family, she started her working career years ago at the Millers Falls Tool Company. Following that she became a waitress at Alwin and Olga’s Restaurant in Greenfield where she developed many friendships and a deeper appreciation for Italian cooking. Eventually she moved on the Wilson’s Department store where she worked for 46 years. She could be found in many departments at Wilson’s, but Claire and her childhood friend Louise Kujdzio frequently greeted customers as they came through the Main Street entrance. She retired at the age of 82 and would have worked longer but her husband’s health decline required Claire to remain at home.

     Claire was married to John E. Voetsch on May 17, 1947 and they celebrated over 59 years together until his passing on November 2, 2006.

     She was a long time communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church and a member of the Sons of Italy.

     Claire leaves her adoring son Robert Voetsch and his wife Nancy of Greenfield, two granddaughters; Debra Winn of Greenfield and Susan (Michael) Rogers of Chelmsford, MA, five great grandchildren; Samantha Brook (Jay Butynski), Robert Brook, Morgan Winn, Samuel and Lillian Rogers, a great great granddaughter Johanna Rose Butynski, a brother Norm Carme of Brattleboro, VT, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their extended families.

     In addition to her husband, Claire was predeceased by two brothers; Frank and Alexander Carme and two sisters; Mary Cassidy and Albina Erikson.

     Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield.

     A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Timothy Campoli, Pastor as celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

     To order flowers, sign a guestbook or leave a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com

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