Claire (Lecomte) Letendre

Fall River - Claire (LeComte) Letendre died Friday, April 13, 2012 at home in her 94th year. Claire was born in Fall River, a daughter of the late Auguste and Esma (Lariviere) LeComte. Claire was the wife of the late Fernand P. E. Letendre and the sister of the late Roland and Leonidas "Leo" LeComte. During World War II, Claire was the operating manager of the Gold Medal Bakery which was founded by her father. She was responsible for the everyday operations and finances of the bakery while her brothers served in the military during the war years. Following the death of her husband, she was the owner-operator of the former Bogle Hill Hardware where Claire was often respectfully referred to by her customers as "the Lady". Upon selling the hardware business, Claire was employed by the Paquin Insurance Agency of Tiverton for several years. While working at Paquin's, the Herald News featured Claire in an article about individuals who remained gainfully employed well into their eighties. Claire graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School (1936) and Thibodeau Business College. Claire had been a member of Notre Dame de Lourdes Women's Guild, serving for a period as president and the church choir. Claire was a member of the Women's Club, L 'Association Francophone and Classy Ladies. Claire is survived by a sister, Theresa Gamache of Gainsville, Florida: two sons, Fernand (wife Beverly) and Marc (wife Michelle), a daughter, Nicole; three grandchildren: Catherine Letendre, Michael Letendre (wife Virginia) and Marcelle Orr (husband Bart); three great-grandchildren, Thomas and Stella Orr and Michael Letendre, Jr. and several nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be held Thursday, April 26, at 9:00 AM from the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 So. Main St., Fall River, with a funeral mass in Notre Dame Church at 10:00 AM. Burial, Notre Dame Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 4:00 to 8:00 PM. LARGE PARKING AREA and BARRIER-FREE ENTRANCE at the rear of funeral home. Donations to Guardian Hospice, 1214 Park St., Stoughton MA 02072, or Alzheimer's Assn., 311 Arsenal St., Watertown MA 02472 appreciated.