Claire G. (Crowley) O'Brien, 93 of Cohasset died peacefully at home on November 27, 2013. Claire (Jenny) was the devoted wife of the late John F. (Jack) O'Brien. Jenny and Jack began a friendship as children in Dorchester which ripened into abiding love. Claire was the daughter of the late James A. and Agnes G. (Dunn) Crowley.

Loving mother of Claire G. O'Brien "Rissa", Cohasset; Elizabeth B. O'Brien, Cumming, GA; CAPT John F. O'Brien, Jr. USN (ret) (Elizabeth Anne), Norfolk,VA; former CDR Neal J. O'Brien USN (Susan H.) Milton, GA.

Adoring grandmother to Matthew J. Gaziano (Adrienne) Arlington, VA; Em Gaziano, Reston, VA; Mairin S. O'Brien, Norfolk, VA; John F. O'Brien III and Conor W. O'Brien, Milton, GA.

Claire cherished her siblings: COL James A. Crowley, Jr. USA (ret) [deceased], his wife Betty, Wolfeboro, NH; Ruth G. Goggin, Braintree, MA; Robert V. Crowley, his wife Jane, Mashpee, MA. "Aunt Claire" loved and was beloved by her nieces, nephews and their children.

Claire had an extraordinary effect on everyone she met. A woman of striking appearance, known for her elegant manner, she possessed a classic sense of style with a dash of the eclectic. She could hold court at the kitchen counter of her beloved home or in the dining room of a Disney cruise ship. She loved traveling to see her grandchildren. An accomplished hostess, she excelled at interior design, flower arranging and needlepoint. A child of the Great Depression, she overcame the disappointment of not being able to afford college and turned her intellectual gifts and passion for reading into a life long journey.

Claire worked for the Federal Reserve Bank; during WWII she worked at the US Army Base, Boston, as a civilian employee in the highly classified arena of troop movements. Her community service included membership in the Social Service League of Cohasset. She received a commendation in 1999 for thirty plus years of volunteer service in the Cohasset Consignment Shop. She volunteered at the Paul Pratt Memorial Library and for Hospitality Committee at Saint Anthony Parish. An excellent cook, Claire participated in the creation of the classic cookbook "Cohasset Entertains" as a contributor and recipe tester.

A treasured friend, she shared her wisdom with gracious generosity and a dose of New England practicality and wry humor - a great lady and true individual!

Special thanks to Dr. Harry Shapiro, Massachusetts General Hospital, for the superb care he afforded Claire. Doctor and patient, their relationship transcended mundane professionalism. Respect and friendship were framed by rapier wits and genuine affection. Her implicit trust in Dr. Shapiro's wisdom instilled in her a peaceful confidence: the hallmark of their long association.

It is with gratitude her family hails "Team Claire" – the extraordinary women who cared for and loved Mother. Renee, Pat, Tiffany and Trisha gave Mother care, company, love and laughter. We remain in their debt and acknowledge their unique contributions to Mother's well-being and happiness.

Visiting hours, Friday, December 6, 3–7 PM, McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer Street (across from St. Anthony Church), Cohasset.

A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Anthony Church, Cohasset, Saturday, December 7 at 9:00 AM.  Burial immediately following, St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury.

Remembrances may be made in Claire's memory to Sprout Creek Farm, 34 Lauer Road, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603; in care of Sister Margo Morris. www.sproutcreekfarm.org .

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