Claire C. O'Connell (Lister)'s Obituary
Claire Lister O’Connell, 97, of West Yarmouth, MA, formerly of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Mayflower Place in West Yarmouth.
Born in Lawrence, MA, Claire was the beloved only child of Germaine and Ernest Lister. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Lawrence Shirton, in Lawrence and Methuen. Claire graduated from Searles High School in Methuen in 1946 and continued her studies at the Macintosh School, where she received training in secretarial and business education. Her professional life included work as a law secretary, a clerk for the Internal Revenue Service, and later, a dedicated cafeteria attendant at Saint Monica’s School in Methuen.
In 1947, Claire married her childhood sweetheart, Francis “Honey” O’Connell. The two first met at the Tenney Street Playground when they were just 14. Honey famously won her heart by rescuing her shoe after it had landed on top of the swing set, a moment that marked the beginning of their lifelong love story.
Together, Claire and Honey raised their four children in Methuen, creating a warm and welcoming home on Lowell Street. A gifted homemaker, Claire applied her many skills and talents to decorating, sewing, and crafting. She reupholstered furniture, painted and wallpapered, and even designed and sewed her daughter’s wedding gown. She was also an excellent cook, known for hosting countless holiday celebrations and family gatherings filled with love, laughter, and good food.
In their later years, Claire and Honey enjoyed traveling widely—to Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, the British Isles, and France—and spent many happy winters as snowbirds in Clearwater, Florida.
Claire is survived by her son, Michael O’Connell and his wife, Joanne of Hyannis, MA; her daughters, Kathy O’Connell of Ocala, FL, and Christine O’Connell of Wakefield, MA. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Francis and by her daughter Patricia Timmons of Manchester, NH.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jason Timmons, Kerri Timmons, Joseph O’Connell, Casey O’Connell, and his wife Kelly O’Connell; her great-grandchildren: Brandan, Trevor, and Jaxin Timmons, Mya and Nathan O’Connell; and her great-great-grandson, Kaydin Timmons. Claire was predeceased by her grandsons Brian Timmons and Robby Timmons. She will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Monday, September 29, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 30, at 11:00 AM at St. Monica’s Church, Methuen, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen, with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, N. Lowell Street, Methuen.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Claire’s memory can be made to Maplewood Heart Foundation, 579 Buck Island Road, West Yarmouth, MA 02673. https://maplewoodseniorliving.networkforgood.com
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