Claire L. (Babin) Girouard, 93, passed away at home on Monday, July 15, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Claire’s husband, Jules Girouard predeceased her in 1977.
     She leaves her seven children, Jeanne C. Picard of Holden, Robert J. Girouard and his wife Teresa of Naples, FL, Anne Marie Hancock and her husband Carl of Lithia, FL, Denise I. Stewart of Charlton, Diane P. Boover and her husband Michael of Worcester, Philip D. “Pinky” Girouard and his wife Joanne of Millbury and Michele D. Burlingame of Dade City, FL; 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, her brother, Lionel Babin of Ventura, CA and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Anita E. Renihan in 2001 and two brothers and five sisters.
     Claire was born in Worcester the daughter of Willard and Emma (Fortier) Babin. She graduated from Saint Anne’s Academy in Marlborough. Claire was a hairdresser and she owned and operated the Park Avenue Beauty Salon for over 30 years. She was an early advocate for women’s rights and was instrumental with helping women apply for and obtain business loans independently. Claire was a member of Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Church and formerly Notre Dame and St. Joseph’s Church. Claire was a kind and generous woman who was a craft enthusiast and those crafts will now be especially cherished by her family. She would also often donate her crafts to Church bazaars, and was an active member of the Sunshine Club on Camp Street.
     Visiting hours for Claire will be held on Thursday, July 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 19th at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Church, 600 Cambridge St. Burial will be private in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s memory to the Mustard Seed Catholic Worker, 93 Piedmont Street, Worcester, MA 01609.