RUMFORD — Claire Marie Michaud Richard, 80, of Knox Street, Rumford, passed away after a long decline with Alzheimer’s on Monday, July 25, at the Rumford Community Home, with her loving husband and family by her side.
She was born in Lewiston, Dec. 19, 1930, to Louis Philippe and Albertine (Bonenfant) Michaud. She attended Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School, Class of 1949, commercial course and took her first art lessons there. She received her certificate as a clerical stenographer in June 1951. She had worked at L.P. Michaud Grocery Store in Lewiston.
In 1952, she married Alyre J. Richard and moved to Rumford. She was a full-time mother, who used her artistic creativity to entertain her children, help them with their homework and beautify her home. She, with her husband, instilled a do-it-yourself ethic in their children.
After her children were grown, she was able to devote more time to art. She took more lessons and created many beautiful paintings, mostly gifts to family and friends. She eventually taught art lessons and passed along her knowledge to others.
She was a communicant of Parish of the Holy Savior, St. Athanasius-St. John Church and volunteered her time and talents for many years. She had been very active in the church teaching baptism classes, serving as a eucharistic minister, working on altar decorations and flowers and active in Mother Riviere. She was a longtime member of TOPS.
She is survived by her husband; her sister, Lucille Higgins; her sons, Maurice, Raymond, and Emile Richard; her daughters, Pauline Hahn, Elaine Boyd, and Christine Reed; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Raymond and Gaston “Slim” Michaud; and her daughter, Venise Van Tassel.
She loved music, flowers and making beautiful things, but she truly loved her family.
A special thanks to her “family” at the Rumford Community Home and to the staff at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.
Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.
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- Claire M. Richard
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