Claire Ann (Mazzaferro) Brown

LEOMINSTER---Claire Ann (Mazzaferro) Brown, 80, entertainer, fortune-teller, mother, beloved Nona, chef, cherished colleague, hardworking woman with an extraordinarily generous heart, died of cancer on the cusp of Monday morning, after months of loving care at her home on Richardson Street. The door of that house was always open to anyone in need. Claire was born on February 23, 1938, in Leominster, MA, the daughter of Joseph Mazzaferro and Anita (Chiarelli) Mazzaferro, and was a lifelong resident of Leominster.

She leaves two sons, Anthony Tom of Leominster, and Peter Toby and his wife Kathleen and their two children Juliana and Taylor of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and three daughters, Bridget Kelly of Leominster and her two children Katrina and Matthew, Brenda Tracey and her husband Greg Stachel of San Antonio, Texas and Jennifer Holly and her daughter Danielle of Worcester, Massachusetts. She also leaves brothers Joseph Mazzaferro and wife Jane, Dennis Mazzaferro and wife Sarah, sister Elizabeth Day and husband Christopher. Claire is predeceased by her husband Walter David (“Booka”) Brown and her brother David Mazzaferro.

Early on, Claire discovered the tool to accompany only one of her many creative gifts: the piano. She took music lessons on an upright player piano at her Nona’s house, just steps away from the home on Central Place where she was raised. Money was hard to come by and those precious lessons were paid for by her mother, Anita--part of the legacy of talent on Claire’s maternal side. Her glamorous aunts, The Chiarelli Sisters, performed during World War II, delighted Claire, who continued the joy they gave audiences as the lead of the Claire Kristi Trio, her band, which toured at various venues throughout New England. While she eventually struck out on her own, Claire always held a special place for her home club, Mainville’s Restaurant, where her local appearances drew many friends and family who cherish the memories of those happy nights—and sing-alongs--still.

A 1955 graduate of Leominster High School, Claire was already known for her friendly and outgoing personality as well as her dynamic cheerleading skills. Her interests expanded into astrology, which she studied; she read tea leaves, palms and tarot cards and was always interested in how one’s stars aligned. As “Clair Voyant,” she penned a Dear Abby type column in the local newspaper, trying to help others find solace in other realms. Those lucky to have known her would have likely heard “I wonder what your sign is?” from the start. Claire always worked very hard, often in the service industry, and she made lasting friends wherever she went. More recently, she worked at the Cyprian Keyes Golf Course where she established a dedicated following. She also worked the Eastwood Club and cooked at Il Camino. She loved dancing (even placing first in The Twist, at the Little Club in Ayer). She also had a penchant for the casino and bingo, but mostly loved being with her family. WE WILL ALL miss her zest for life.

Calling hours are Monday, October 15, 2018 from 4 until 7 pm at the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster. A funeral mass will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 128 Main Street, Leominster at 10 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center @ Healinggardensupport.org

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