Claire Baltramaitis

Claire D. (LaVallee) Baltramaitis, 81, of Worcester formerly a longtime resident of Auburn passed away Sunday November 13th 2011 with family by her side. Claire was born May 28th 1930 in Providence Rhode Island, a daughter of the late Rene and Alice (Peck) LaVallee and lived most of her life in Auburn. While living in Auburn, Claire met and on May 8, 1948 married her husband Vito J. Baltramaitis. Together they raised their family over the next 44 years in Auburn before Vito passed away on August 28th 1992. Claire is survived by her five children, Raymond Baltramaitis and his wife Mary of Worcester, Judith Bilodeau of New York, Mary Ann Taylor and her husband Robert of Berlin, Ma, , and Barbara Ann Harper of Worcester, JoAnn Wright and her husband Brian of Spencer; seven grandchildren she cherished, Stephanie Lemien, Robert Baltramaitis, Tracy Bitzas, Ross Harper, Nathaniel Taylor, Andrew and Emily Wright; Seven great grandchildren; a sister in law and best friend Dorothy Baltramaitis of Millbury; two brothers, Al West and Charles Gilbert; four sisters, Charlotte Dietlin, Joyce Mandella, Barbara Paine and June Gilbert: many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A sister, Gertrude Fanion pre deceased her. Claire was a member of St Joseph's Church and its Women's Guild. A member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the DAV and Auburn Knights of Columbus. A lifelong homemaker who cherished caring for her family. She was notably known for her creative crafts, beautiful wedding cakes and generous spirit. Claire would routinely donate many of her crafts and crochet items to local schools and churches. She will be dearly missed by all. Claire's funeral celebration will be held Thursday November 17th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a Mass at 10:00 am in St. Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford St. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the Baltramaitis family from 4 pm to 8 pm Wednesday, November 16th from 4 pm to 8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Claire's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Unit of St Mary's Healthcare, 39 Queen St, Worcester 01610.