Claire M Cantiani

Claire (Bern) Cantiani, longtime Worcester resident, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015 with the ones she loved gathered by her bedside. She was 75 years of age. Claire was born on August 21, 1940, one of three children of Marvin and Rita L. (Demers) Bern. She graduated from Commerce High School, and earned her nursing degree from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. Claire then continued her education at Assumption College earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees in business and education. She notably with her husband Paul were the first husband and wife to graduate at the same time with Bachelor's degrees. In 1961, Claire married the man she considered the Love of Her life and devoted husband, Paul F. Cantiani. They together began a 54 year marriage of devotion, love and dedication raising their family. Besides her husband Paul, Claire is survived by her two children Cheryl Ann Cantiani, Paul F. Cantiani Jr. and his wife Leanny all of Worcester; a sister, Barbara Ann Powers and brother Skip Bern all of Worcester; four grandchildren. Collin Williams, Lenox, Liam, Landen Cantiani; A close friend she considered another daughter Lisa Markarian LaBossiere; Nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Over the years, Claire worked several positions where she could help people. As a nurse she worked at the former City Hospital, as a surgical nurse for Dr. Croce and Dr Stone; she then earned her teaching certification, and accepted a positon with the Westboro School system at the Hastings School teaching 3rd and 6th grade; She worked with her husband, son and Lisa at the Cantiani Insurance Agency in Worcester and the East Douglas Insurance Agency in Douglas. Claire pursued a job as the Executive Director for the National User Group of Applied Systems (ASCnet) planning conventions across the country. After retiring, Claire found the time to volunteer at the Hope Lodge and Taste of the Nation. She was a member of Saint Stephen Church and a devoted Catholic, helping others through her guidance and teaching CCD for over 10 years. She was the backbone of her family and remained devoted to them through the years. She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family, gardening, her home on Cape Cod, sunsets, sailing, traveling especially to Italy, and cooking. She loved to golf with Paul and together were members of Mt. Pleasant Country Club. Claire truly believed that faith, family and friends were most important and she had room in her heart for everyone she met. Her unwavering faith kept her grounded and helped her through her life's challenges. Her passing leaves a hole in everyone's hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten. Friends and relatives of the Cantiani family are invited to calling hours, Tuesday, November 17, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, November 18th from the funeral home with a procession to St Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St where her friend and former Pastor Fr Williams Sanders will celebrate her Mass at 10:00 am. Burial in Worcester County Memorial Park will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Village, the Alzheimer's Unit at Notre Dame Long Term Care 559 Plantation St. Worcester 01605. The Cantiani family would like to publically thank Debbie Gitner and Linda Sullivan from ElderCare Resource Services and the Staff at Notre Dame, especially Kerreye Marcous, Rose Wing and Judy McCabe for the care, compassion and comfort they gave to Claire and our family during a difficult time.