Claire E. (Curtin) Wood

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  

Claire E. (Curtin) Wood, born April 2, 1933, in Pittsfield, MA, died peacefully November 16, 2023, also in Pittsfield, at age 90 following a period of declining health. Though Claire split some of her time during the 1960’s and 1970’s between Rutland, Vermont, and Auburn, Maine, she was a lifelong resident of Cheshire. She grew up in and later returned to the center of Cheshire, where she lived for nearly 50 years directly next to her childhood home, and was well known in town.

Claire graduated from Adams High School in 1951, and on July 5, 1954, she married Simeon W. Wood, to whom she remained married for 61 years until his death on November 15, 2015. With Simeon, she raised her family, enjoyed the extended family, had many adventures including long hiking and canoeing trips, multiple European cruises, she became an avid bicyclist, and generally loved the outdoors. She was simultaneously known both for her toughness and for her family’s ability to get a rise out of her by teasing her mercilessly. She hosted long holiday gatherings, played cards and games, and some of her recipes were beloved.

Claire was known to generations of young people in Cheshire, given her work as the lunch lady (cafeteria manager) at the former Cheshire Elementary School, from which she retired in 1995. Prior work experiences included the legendary Country Charm in Cheshire, various jobs in banks, and sewing shoes for a shoe factory in Maine.

She was born to Thomas J. Curtin, Jr. and Margaret M. (St. John) Curtin, one of 6 children. Among her siblings, she was predeceased by Margaret Holt of Texas, and is survived by Thomas J. Curtin of Ohio and three siblings living in the Berkshires–Leo F. Curtin and his wife Patty, Rita J. (predeceased by Henry) Bator, and Theresa A. St. Jacques and her husband Louie. She is survived by two sons living in Cheshire, Stephen Wood and Christopher (Norah) Wood, and by her daughter Kathryn (Gary) Houghtlin. She was grandmother (mémère) to three, including Nicholas Wood (Tariem Burroughs) of Philadelphia, Garret Wood (Katie) of Clarksburg, and Preston Houghtlin. She also leaves behind one great-granddaughter, Leyah Brown, and three great-grandsons including Finn Burroughs-Wood, Brady Wood, and Collin Wood.

Claire’s family and friends will miss her and honor her memory.

Funeral Notice: Funeral home services will be held, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home, 121 North State Rd, Cheshire. Burial will follow in Cheshire Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Claire wishes for gifts in her memory to go to St. Jude’s or the Shriners.