Claire P. (Aubuchon) Moran, 89
Was devoted to her family and faith

FITCHBURG - Claire P. Moran, 89, a devoted spouse of M. Marcus Moran Sr., a loving mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and Catholic layperson, formerly of 21 Forest Park, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2008, at The Highlands.

She was born in Fitchburg on March 29, 1919, the second of six children of William E. and Corrine (Charron) Aubuchon, and lived in Fitchburg all of her life. She graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1937 and from the Chandler School for Women, in Boston, in 1939.

Claire had a lifelong "indirect" involvement with the 100- year history of W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc.; first as the daughter of William E. Aubuchon Sr., the founder in 1908, and then as the spouse of M. Marcus Moran Sr., who was employed with the company for 77 years. They traveled many years together throughout New England and New York as the company expanded.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Parish and St. Bernard's Parish. She was also a member of the Serra Club of Northern Worcester County of which her husband, Marcus, was a founding member. Claire also taught Christian doctrine in St. Joseph's Parish. In addition to church and community involvement, including the Daughters of Isabella, she served on the Burbank Hospital Guild, volunteering weekly. Her interest in education was exemplified in her avid five-decade support of the Julie County Day School of Leominster and Notre Dame High School of Fitchburg.

She cherished family gatherings, especially summer events at Wyman's Pond in Westminster.

Claire leaves behind five children and their spouses, M. Marcus Moran Jr. and his wife, Tonia, of Westminster, Dr. Michele Moran Zide and her husband, the Honorable Elliot L. Zide, of Fitchburg, Dr. Kevin Moran and his wife, Kathy, of Westminster, Dr. Peter Moran and his wife, Emilie, of Boylston, and Gregory Moran and his wife, Deirdre, of Fitchburg. "Memere" also leaves her cherished grandchildren; M. Marcus Moran III, Courtney Moran Muller, Justin Moran, Shanna, Marla and Trina Zide; Kevin Jr., Ryan, Meagan, and Collen Moran; Matthew and Mallory Moran; Bridget, Caitlin and Eamon Moran; and four great-grandchildren, Austin and Connor Moran, Nicholos Muller and Cullen Moran. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, M. Marcus Moran Sr., who passed away at the age of 91, on Jan. 11, 2006. She was predeceased by all her siblings, William E. Aubuchon Jr., Denise (Aubuchon) Ouellette, Maurice A. Aubuchon Sr., Pierre J. Aubuchon Sr., and Bernard W. Aubuchon Sr.

Her funeral will be held Friday, April 25, from Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 243 Water St., with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Bernard's Church, 240 Water St. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Serra Club of Northern Worcester County for Religious Vocations, c/o Norman Boudreau, president, I.C Credit Union, 300 Bemis Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420.