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Obituary for Claire R. Simpson
St. Albans/Rutland - Claire R. Simpson, 88, of Rutland, formerly of St. Albans, beloved sister, wife, mother, teacher and friend, died Thursday afternoon, June 23, 2011. She was born in 1923 and is survived by her sister Mary, who resides in Florida. Claire was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence and is survived by her children, Michael, Elizabeth, Deborah, John, Paula, Hilary with their respective spouses; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Many remember Mrs. Simpson from her dedicated years of teaching in the St. Albans City Elementary School. Claire achieved a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a subsequent Masters Degree in Speech Pathology, which for her thesis she was given an Honorary Adjunct Professorship at the University of Vermont. Mrs. Simpson cherished the opportunity to work with so many students which energized her passion for teaching. Her passion for teaching also led her to utilize these skills to support rehabilitation of stroke patients. She was elected for several editions over many years of her career for Who’s Who among Professional Women, National and International Editions. She belonged to several professional and charitable organizations throughout her life, believing in the honor of volunteerism and caring for others. She was the Choir Director at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Albans for many years. In October of 1965, Mrs. Simpson opened a Vocal Studio. She had a personal passion for singing and she is often remembered for the many musical events she performed. She shared this passion with her family with unlimited gatherings around the piano. Her earlier musical training included coaches from the Metropolitan Opera Company, The Vienna Conservatory, and at McGill Conservatory in Montreal. Claire was an avid reader with a sole purpose and focus for continued learning and being able to interact and share experiences with anyone she might meet. She enjoyed the many different and diverse people she came in contact with, whom she genuinely cared about. One of Claire’s mantras in life was “Never Judge Anyone Unless You Have Walked a Mile in Their Shoesâ€; she not only lived this, but continually strived for her family to follow this value. She enjoyed and appreciated her last several years living at St. Joseph Kervick Residence in Rutland because of the many wonderful people who lived and worked there. Her Family wishes to express many Thanks and Great Appreciation to the 5th Floor Nursing Staff at Rutland Regional Medical Center. The Staff on all shifts provided compassionate and supportive care to her and her family, during this most difficult time with Claire’s unexpected and debilitating illness. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday June 29, 2011, from 7 to 9 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday June 30th at 11:00 AM in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s Parish on Fairfield Street. Interment will follow in the family lot in Holy Cross Cemetery. Private messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com. Memorial Contributions may be sent to “Operation Smile†6435 Tidewater Drive Norfolk, VA 23509. Operation Smile is a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.
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