Mary Claire Avery

Mary Claire Avery, beloved and loving wife of Daniel Avery, died Saturday, May 7, 2016, beginning her heavenly journey from their home of 65 years. Born on Christmas Day 1926 to Charles and Catherine Gormley, Claire grew up in Willimantic, graduating from Windham H.S. in 1945 and Willimantic State Teachers College in 1949. Her first teaching position was in Union in a one-room school house with woodstove heating, outdoor plumbing, and a lively group of students. Claire delighted in recollecting their escapades as well as those of students in Stafford, Tolland, and Willington; she taught for 34 years. Claire’s love of literature, poetry, nature, humor, community, and friendship could refresh the mind and spirit. She served on the Willington Board of Library Directors and the Democratic Town Committee, and was an honorary member of the Willington Hill Fire Department. Claire and Dan retired in 1986, enjoying adventures and friendship from Maine to the Florida Keys. A loving mother and grandmother, Claire cherished the unique qualities in each child. Her husband Daniel; daughters and sons-in-law, M. Kathleen and Donald Messier, Nancy and John Pacyna, and Eileen and Thomas Smith; grandchildren, Donna Bragg, Earl Messier, Joseph Pacyna, Frances Champagne, Danielle Smith, and Jefferson Smith; great-grandchildren, Eric, Jennifer, Steven, Elizabeth, Joseph, Joy, and Clara; great-great-grandchildren, Violet-Rose and Henry; and her many friends, will treasure the love, wit, and charm she shared that will forever warm their hearts. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016, with a procession forming by 9 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Jude Church, Old Farms Rd., Willington, CT. Burial will follow in Moose Meadow Cemetery, Willington, CT. Calling hours are on Wednesday from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Friends of the Willington Public Library, 7 Ruby Rd., Willington, CT 06279, Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley St., Willimantic, CT 06226, Willington Hill Fire Department, 24 Old Farms Rd., Willington, CT 06279, or to the Federated Church of Willington, 132 River Rd., Willington, CT 06279. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com