Claire Evelyn (Dionne) Rioux

Claire Evelyn (Dionne) Rioux, 79, died peacefully Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, surrounded by her loving family.  She was the beloved wife of the late Paul Roger Rioux, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 4, 2019. 

A native of Nashua, she was born September 25, 1944 and was the beloved daughter of the late Jean Baptiste and Cecile (Lesieur) Dionne.  She received her education in the Nashua Parochial School System. (St. Francis Xavier and Holy Infant Jesus) and was a graduate of St. Aloysius de Gonzague High School, Class of 1963.

In her younger years she worked at F.W.Woolworth on Main Street, Bensons, and then J.F. McElwain in the Payroll Department until she became a mother.  She then proudly raised her family, as well as helping local families with childcare.  After her children were grown, she was employed in the cafeteria at Fairgrounds Junior High.

She was always involved into her children’s activities, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, where she was the cookie chairperson for many years.  In her free time, Claire loved to crochet – she was so talented she could watch TV or carry on a conversation, not even looking at the project she was working on.

Despite her busy schedule, she always made time for service in her community, especially to the churches that she belonged to, St. Frances Xavier Church and then St. Joseph Church.  She and her late husband were longtime parishioners of St. Joe’s, where her husband was a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus prior to his passing.  On Sundays, you could expect to see both Paul and Claire at the 9am children’s mass, where they both became greeters.  You would always be welcomed with a smile and chit chat.  She enjoyed her time there, socializing with many friends as well.

Claire also liked to spend time at the Senior Center, and go on many trips with Paul and their friends to Cape Cod and  Maine, to name a few.  Above all, her most cherished time was spent with her family.

Claire is survived by her three children: Paul John Rioux and his wife Carla of San Antonio, TX, Michelle Claire Martino and her husband Andy of Stoneham, MA, and Peter Paul Rioux and his wife Jill of Goffstown; her five grandchildren: Fiona Martino, Owen Rioux, Grace Rioux, Luke Martino, and Jake Martino.  She is also survived by her four siblings: Jeannette Gosselin of Florida, Marie Anctil and her husband Gerry of Florida, Raymond Dionne of Hudson, and Jackie Dionne of NH; her sister-in-law Denise Welper and her husband Paul of Nashua; her lifelong friend Jackie Weigand of Nashua; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Brenda Martino, and her brother, Paul Dionne. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Claire’s visitation on Friday, September 13th from 4 to 6pm at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua.  Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 11:30am in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 W. Hollis Street, Nashua.  Interment to follow in St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s name to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. 

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