Claire D. Gaboury-Constantin

SPENCER – Claire D. Gaboury-Constantin, 71, of Spencer, died Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at UMass Memorial – Memorial Campus.

Her husband of 18 years, Frederick T. Constantin, died in 2014.  She leaves a son, Jason Provost, his fiancée Samantha Olsen and their daughter Arianna of Spencer; a daughter, Melinda Harris, her husband Keith and their children Ryker and Lilliannah of Granby, a sister-in-law, JoAnn Woupio-Gaboury of Paxton; many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  Her brother, Paul Gaboury of Paxton passed just a week after Claire.  She was born in Worcester, daughter of Norman A. and Lorraine G. (Cournoyer) Gaboury.  She lived in Sturbridge for many years before moving to Spencer.  

Claire worked at the Social Security Office of Worcester for many years before retiring. She taught many sign language classes and was the Treasurer for the Deaf Senior Citizen center for several years following her retirement. She was a well-known and much-loved member of the central mass Deaf community.  She was a member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 695 Southbridge St, Worcester.  She enjoyed reading, her cats, and socializing with friends.  

After losing her hearing at the age of three, Claire was torn between the hearing world (to which her family belonged) and the Deaf world she desired. After changing schools during childhood, Claire found and loved the Deaf culture. She has since played an important role in the Deaf community. After a successful career working for the government in the social security office, Claire spent her time volunteering at the Deaf Senior Center and the Rape Crisis Center.

A funeral service will be held at a later date and time to be announced. Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Mass Deaf Senior Center, 695 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01610.