Claire Rattey Fitzgaireld

Claire Rattey Fitzgaireld, 79, of Willow, died of natural causes March 22, 2014, at her home.

Father Andrew will conduct a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m., April 12 at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Willow. A celebration of life potluck for family and friends follows the service at 11:30 a.m. at the Willow Community Center.

Claire was born April 14, 1934, in Pawtucket, R.I. She was born at home over the family ice cream store. In 1956, she received a Bachelor of Education from the Rhode Island College of Education. In 1972, she earned her Master’s of Education from the University of Anchorage Alaska. Claire became an Alaska resident in 1959, where she taught school in many areas. She was an elementary teacher in Kake from 1959 to 1960. She only taught a year due to having to hire a Bush plane in and out. She taught in Anchorage from 1960 to 1981 at the Willow Crest and Chinook Elementary Schools and retired from teaching in 1981.

Claire had been a resident of Willow since 1988 and was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Willow. Claire was active in the community, serving with the Willow Area Community Organization as secretary area representative, the Willow Library Association as chairperson, Willow Fire Service Board, MEA Scholarship Committee and St. Christopher Board/Building Committee.

Claire loved being around people and made a positive impact on many, many lives. She also enjoyed reading, travelling, cross-stitch, crocheting, flower gardening and mystery movies. Claire took two years off from teaching, travelling around the world twice, sometimes working to pay her way.

In 1966, she married Joe Fitzgaireld. They enjoyed camping in their motor home. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

A most special thanks to Juanita Larson and Mat-Su Hospice for her end of life care.

Claire is survived by her stepchildren, Vic Fitzgaireld of Willow and Beverly Spencer of Catoosa, Okla; sisters, Elaine Sokol of Berne, N.Y., Janet Surrette of Smithfield, R.I., and Fran Leeming of Chepachet, R.I.; brother, Bill Rattey of Turks and Caicos Islands; and 10 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe in 1995; and her parents, Wilfred and Rejane (Parent) Rattey.

Claire will be interred at Fort Richardson National Cemetery next to her husband Joe at a later date.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s name to Mat-Su Hospice or a charity of choice.

Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel cared for arrangements.