Clare M. Gilliam's Obituary
Clare Marie Gilliam, 99, of Atkinson, NH, and Chevy Chase, MD, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on June 21, 1925, in Lawrence, MA, she was the daughter of the late Fritz and Helen (O’Brien) Heinrich.
Clare was a proud graduate of Lawrence High School, class of 1942, and furthered her education at Burdett Business College. Her early career at the Marine Insurance Company in Boston ignited a lifelong passion for finance. In 1948, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked at the Department of Defense until she married on May 28, 1955. She raised four children on her own after her husband died in 1974.
In 1979, Clare channeled her dedication to service into volunteering, initially dedicating ten years to the Red Cross at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and later volunteering answering phones on the White House Comment Line. This allowed her to further her interest in keeping up on current events.
Clare cherished her summers and falls at her seasonal home in Atkinson, NH, where she delighted in visiting Jenness Beach and North Conway. Her love for travel led her and her family to Quebec, Florida, and numerous Caribbean Islands. Additionally, Clare had a deep passion for gardening, which brought her much joy.
Her kindness, strength, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick P. Gilliam; and her daughter, Ellen Gilliam.
Clare is survived by her two sons, Frederick P. Gilliam, Jr. and Neil Gilliam, both of Chevy Chase, MD; and daughter, Leila Maksymiec and her husband, William of Washington, D.C.; and many extended family and friends.
Relatives and guest are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, people may donate in memory of Clare Marie Gilliam to Rockingham VNA & Hospice, 4 Alumni Drive, Exeter, NH 03833. For directions or to send online condolences, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com.
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