Claire Camp

Claire Antoinette (Falardeau) Camp, 93, of Plainville, beloved wife of 55 years to the late Anthony "Tony" Camp (2006) passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021. Born on September 16, 1927, in Berlin, NH, to the late Ernest Falardeau, Sr. and Rosanna (Gagne) Falardeau, she was raised in the 'North Country' of New Hampshire amongst a tight knit extended family. Claire had many cherished memories of growing up in the White Mountain area during the Great Depression and World War II. She and her cousins loved to skate, sled, put on plays, visit with family, and attend the movie theater. The 1930s and 1940s were also years of hardship and Claire faced adversity with resilience, optimism and an independent spirit.

After moving to Portland, ME in 1943, she graduated from Portland High School in 1945. Claire worked for the Western Union office in Portland, ME and moved to Connecticut in the late 1940s when she was transferred to Hartford, CT. Upon moving to CT, she met her future husband, and they were married on February 3, 1951. Their first home was in New Britain where they started their family, eventually moving to Plainville where they raised their two children and became proud grandparents. Claire retired from Aetna Life & Casualty Company in 1990 where she had worked for 28 years. She belonged to the Aetna Women's Club and the Aetna 39ers Retiree Club. Upon retirement she and Tony took time to travel to Europe, Canada and the western U.S.

Claire's life was centered around family. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life, and she attended their many activities such as baseball games, band concerts and dance recitals with great enthusiasm. The "boys," as she often called her two grandsons, were at her house often - visiting, talking, going out for pizza, helping with chores.

She enjoyed holiday gatherings, always ready to bring a dessert. Her delicious madeleine cookies were oft requested at gatherings. She was much in demand and attended events at her children's homes and at their extended family gatherings. Claire had a special place in her heart for her son-in-law, Chris, who was there for her whenever needed. She enjoyed their drives while listening to her favorite music from the 1940s, and their lighthearted conversations.

An active person with abundant energy, many interests, and a deep faith, she was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville. Claire was a member of the church's Ladies Guild and had many friends within the guild. She served as president, vice-president, and secretary of the Guild at various times. She was also a member of the St. Anthony Society. As a member of the Plainville Senior Center, she was a regular at exercise classes and other programs.

Claire was the type of person who kept her friends for life. She kept in touch with a wide circle of family and friends in the U.S and Canada, including her childhood friends. An avid baker, she traded recipes with family and friends. She was always ready to attend a theater or musical show, lunch, dinner, or a museum. Claire was fortunate to have remained in her home, supported by her family. She is an example of someone who had a life well-lived. She will be missed dearly and remembered for her loyalty, optimism, and fortitude.

Claire is survived by her two children: Bernadette Camp Dostaler and husband, Christopher, of Plainville, CT and Anthony Camp Jr. and wife, Kim of West Hartford, CT in addition to her three grandchildren: Samuel Dostaler and wife, Kristen, Brian Dostaler and Allison Camp. She also leaves her nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends and her former daughter-in-law, Carolyn Palmer-Camp who remained a dear friend. Claire was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Camp, brother, Ernest Falardeau and sister-in-law, Jane Falardeau.

Family and friends may gather on Friday, August 20 at 9:00am at the Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street in Plainville, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 19 S. Canal St. in Plainville, CT. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 151 Farmington Avenue in Plainville, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church 19 S. Canal Street, Plainville, CT 06062. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please visit www.bailey-funeralhome.com.

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