Published in the October 5, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Claire Lucille (Meuse) Scarborough, 81, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2018. She had been in failing health and was residing at Oosterman’s Rest Home in Melrose.
Claire was the youngest of three children born to the late Walter and Sadie Meuse on February 6, 1937 in Winchester. Raised in Wakefield, she attended St. Joseph’s School and then Our Lady of Nazareth Academy, graduating in 1954. She started to pursue a degree at Northeastern University but switched to attend the Malden Hospital School of Medical Technology after being offered a scholarship. Claire joined the microbiology lab staff at Malden Hospital after finishing her coursework. During this time she met a young man named Jon working at Hopkins Ice Cream in Melrose. They married in April of 1958.
Claire and Jon raised three daughters – Kori, Jodi and Erika. They initially resided in Malden and then Medford, moving to Melrose in 1967. Claire continued to be employed at Malden Hospital until it closed after the merger to form Hallmark Health. She continued to work for Hallmark Health, moving on to work in the labs at Melrose-Wakefield and Lawrence Memorial Hospitals, until her retirement in 2006.
For Claire, love of family came first. She ensured all of her girls grew up into strong and independent women. She exemplified this by resuming her college education and graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Health Sciences from Northeastern University in 1985. When her youngest daughter Erika was born with the birth defect Spina Bifida, she helped form the Massachusetts Spina Bifida Association (MSBA) to make sure parents and families had a support network.
Claire loved family dinners, knitting, crossword puzzles and enjoying her television shows. Each summer the family would travel to Moody Beach, Maine, where Claire would gather the family for sand sculptures, lobster dinners and family time. Claire was a friend to all and could speak with CEOs and custodial staff alike, showing them respect and dignity in every encounter. If you joined Claire for lunch at the hospital you never knew who she would be sitting with. No matter where she went – even Paris – Claire met someone she knew as her circle of friends was vast.
In 2000 and 2002 Claire added to her circle of love with the birth of her two grandchildren Andrew and Jackson. Grammy was always happy to have the boys around and they became a focal point in her life and remained that way until her last day.
Claire was the beloved wife of Jon D. Scarborough. Loving mother of Kori S. Mendonsa and her husband Anthony, Jodi L. Texeira and her husband Stephen, all of Melrose and Erika J. Scarborough of Pa. Devoted daughter of the late Walter and Sadie (Doiron) Meuse. Cherished grandmother of Andrew and Jackson Texeira, both of Melrose. Caring sister of the late Delores Andres and Eugene Meuse. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, Oct. 1. A funeral service was held at the Gately Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial was in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge the care team and staff of Hallmark Hospice and Oosterman’s of Melrose. Their care and efforts made Claire’s final months more comfortable. Memorial contributions in Claire’s name may be made to Hallmark Health VNA & Hospice, 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
