Claire L. Cushing

Scarborough Claire L. Cushing, 90, formerly of Franklin, NH, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Born in Boston on February 7, 1927, Claire was the daughter of the late Frank and Dorothy Larkin. She received a 4-year scholarship to Annhurst College in South Woodstock, CT where she majored in French and graduated with honors in 1949. Upon graduation, Claire worked for several years with New England Telephone Company. In 1952, Claire married the love of her life, Donald W. Cushing, Sr. Together they raised their five children in Franklin. Early in their marriage, Claire worked alongside Don in his law practice, and throughout their many years in Franklin, she was an active member of the community. She served on the Board of Trustees of Franklin Public Library and was a member of the Franklin Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Claire was a member of the Mojalaki Country Club where she participated in the ladies league and she volunteered at the Veterans Memorial Ski Area where all of her children learned to ski. Above all else in life, Claires primary focuses were on faith, love, and family. She was a true champion of her children and raised them with an abundance of love and support. Claire and Don taught their family the importance of having a strong faith and laid the foundation of always putting family first. Claire was an incredible force in keeping her family together through thick and thin. She was kind, gentle and devoted to her husband and family, all of whom cherished her especially for her abundant love, deep compassion, positive attitude, and wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed beyond measure. She was predeceased by her husband, Hon. Donald W. Cushing, Sr. in 2015. In addition, she was predeceased by her sister, Anne Marie Conley. Claire is survived by her loving children, Donald W. Cushing, Jr. and wife Marie of Scarborough, Anne Breggia and husband John of Scarborough, Mary Thaete and husband Lonn of Meridian, ID, Carolyn Willard and husband Eugene of South Portland, Paul Cushing and wife Carol Anne of Marblehead, MA; also survived by her 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Alyce Ann Cushing and brother-in-law, Edward Conley, Jr. Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday, April 12, from 9:30AM-10:15AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland followed by an 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough. Private burial will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, Franklin, NH. To view Claires memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Home Health Hospice, PO Box 931, Bangor, Maine 04402