M. Claire (Marquis) Champagne, 94, formerly of Briarwood Circle, passed away at Homestead Hall, Tuesday, January 11, 2011. Her husband of 48 years, Maurice Champagne, died in 1997. She leaves 6 nieces and 9 nephews, among them Susan Durocher and her husband, Victor, who were overseers of her care after the death of her husband. She was born in Plessisville, Quebec, Canada, on August 11, 1916, daughter of the late G. Albert and Eva (Fortin) Marquis. She was predeceased by her siblings: George, Charles, Ferdinand, Albert, Yvan, Gabrielle, Carmella and Corona.

    Claire resided in Worcester most of her life. She worked at Elwood Adams Hardware Store that her husband co-owned. She also worked as a hairdresser in the Worcester and Leicester areas.

    Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, from Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, with a 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Pius X, 1161 Main St., Leicester. A visitation period will be held at 8:30 a.m. prior to the mass. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Flowers may be sent.