Claire M. Robitaille

CHESHIRE - Claire Manzi Robitaille, 85, won her courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, May 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Cheshire.  She was the devoted wife of the late Dr. George Robitaille.

Claire was born on October 25, 1937, to the late Rita (Watson) and Vincent Charles Manzi in Lawrence, MA.  Always proud of her Boston roots, Claire never quite lost her Boston accent and was a true fan of the Boston Red Sox.  She grew up in Methuen, MA graduating from Fischer Junior College in 1957.  While in college she met her husband George, a medical student who became the love of her life. They were married in 1958 during George’s service in the U.S. Navy.  They were blessed with five children while stationed in MA, VA, and RI.    

 Retiring from the Navy in 1969, Claire and George planned to settle in Portsmouth, RI as George began a private practice in medicine.  God had other plans.  George was diagnosed with MS at the age of 34 and the young couple moved to Cheshire, CT so George could begin his career in medicine at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.  For 34 short years, they raised a family together with faith, hope, and immense love.  Claire was unconditionally devoted to George and an inspirational caregiver to him until his passing in 1993. 

Claire was a fiercely devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.   She offered her opinions freely whether requested or not.  Her children and grandchildren openly teased her about this but, more often than not, secretly took her advice.  Her greatest joy was having family gather around a meal which she prepared.  She loved to cook and was exceptionally good at it.  Her coffee cake was the most requested item by her grandchildren.  

Claire was predeceased by her husband George, her beloved sister and best friend, Dr. Rita Manzi Fauliso, and her brothers Attys. Michael and Vincent Manzi.  She is survived by her five children: Marie DeGenero (Tom), George Robitaille Jr. (Cheryl), Vincent Robitaille (Suzzanne), Susan Pier (Jim), and Michael Robitaille (Jane).  Also left to cherish her memory are her twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.     

Claire was a devoted Catholic and a parishioner of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish in Cheshire for 53 years.  She counted her family as her greatest blessing and lived in gratitude for this blessing. 

Arrangements – Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 4 to 7 pm at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St.  Her funeral procession will depart the funeral home on Friday morning at 9:30 and proceed to St. Bridget of Sweden Parish – St. Bridget Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am.  Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CT Chapter, 659 Tower Ave., First Floor, Hartford, CT 06112-1269 or to the Franciscan Home and Hospice Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451.