Claire St. Laurent

Marie Claire St. Laurent Claire was born on May 8th, 1930 to Lillian Z. Brodeur and Ernest N. Brodeur in Fall River, MA. She was the sister of Norman Brodeur, Lillian Brodeur and Paul Brodeur. A graduate of Jesus Mary Academy in Fall River, Claire continued her education in art, becoming a fine artist in the mediums of oils and pastels. Ballroom dancing was one of her many passions and her proficiency led her to become an instructor. One of her favorite students never really learned to dance but became her husband! Maurice St. Laurent and Marie Claire Brodeur were married on May 9, 1953 in Avon By the Sea, New Jersey. Throughout her life, Claire was a dental assistant, bank teller and fabricator of men's straw hats but her most favorite job was being mom to Denise and Shelly and grandmother to Jackie, Amie, Ian and Shani. Some of her favorite companions were her pups, Tinkerbelle, Baron, Penny, Bijou, Suzette and the current Bijou. Claire and Maurice enjoyed their life together travelling, camping, square dancing, gardening and the company of their family and dear friends they were fortunate to have along their journey. As Claire's art interests evolved at 70 years of age she became interested in making jewelry and started Marie Claire Custom Jewelry Designs, creating beautiful pieces which she sold in her design studio in her home in Matthews, NC. One her most popular creations was a Swarovski crystal and silver angel that adorns the necks of many of her friends and parishioners of St.Luke. From designing jewelry, painting, gardening, cooking and "singing", each of her children and grandchildren are blessed with her gifts and talents in many ways. Her love of color was exhibited in her flair of fashion, art, sewing, knitting, gardening and making her house a home. Vibrant was the way she lived and loved.......... Our mother was the life of the party, she liked to be known as the "Party Girl" and brought a smile to many faces in her lifetime. She taught us that a day was worthwhile if you could put a smile on someone's face. We know, if you are reading this, she at one time or another put a smile on yours and you probably can recall what she said as she had a few favorites. Like, "Don't cry over spilled milk" we would joke with each other "spilled wine maybe but not spilled milk". Without a doubt you have heard "growing old is not for sissies" and she was the bravest of them all. Very few complaints were uttered from our mom as she endured her physical and mental struggles. We hope to be that quietly courageous with what our "Golden Years" hold for us. She always said in just her way "It's not the golden years, it's the patch up years". Mom loved her young doctors, Dr. Peter Copsis and Dr. Jeffrey Zaidman and joked with them about taking her out dancing, surprising them and putting a smile on their faces. Mom was a great cook bringing chicken soup to Dr. Copsis even if it meant a special trip. She loved her wine, ice cream, any kind with nuts, lobster rolls, shrimp, homemade chow mein, PF Changs egg rolls and Mai Tai's.She loved Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and would always say that "Alex Trebeck, Pat Sajack and Vanna White never change". Mom was blessed to have a marvelous group of kind, compassionate, intelligent, caring and hilarious friends who were with her to the very last with stories and songs, kisses and hugs. We welcome you all to share your stories and photos of Claire in all her vibrancy. She will be in our hearts and our daily lives forever. -

Service Information

Monday, August 14th, 2017 11:00am, St. Luke Catholic Church Interment Details St. Luke Catholic Church