Claire McGranahan-Mason, Artist, Pilot, Mom and Grandmom

HUDSON - Claire G. (Ravenelle) McGranahan-Mason, 89, a resident of Hudson for the past 10 years and formerly of Manchester for 54 years, died Tuesday evening, July 2, 2013, at Courville at Nashua after a period of declining health.

Claire was widow of John F. McGranahan and Edward Mason.

A Nashua native, Mrs. Mason was born on June 6, 1924, a daughter of the late Raoul A. and Rachel H. (LeBlanc) Ravenelle. Educated in local schools, she was a graduate of Nashua High School, class of 1942. After her graduation she completed a government course in aeronautics and went on to become a member of the Womens' Aircraft Mechanics Service (WAMS) during World War II. She also learned to fly a Cessna seaplane on the Connecticut River and soloed in 1946.

Claire was then employed at Bradley Field in Windsor Locks, Conn. She returned to Nashua in 1948. Claire and her husband John were married in January, 1949, and made their home in Manchester for a number of years. She assisted her husband as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant and also worked and volunteered at Elliot Hospital in Manchester for a total of 38 years. Mrs. Mason was later employed as a secretary/receptionist at the Central Fire Station in Manchester. A talented artist, Claire loved painting and was a member of the Manchester Artists Association. She also held membership in the Manchester Women's Clubs (GFWC) and the Nashua Senior Center, where she volunteered in the library.

Claire enjoyed socializing with her friends, playing dominoes, and loved animals - especially cats. She also enjoyed many winters in Singer Island, Fla.

 In addition to her parents, Claire was predeceased by her first husband of 32 years, John, who died Dec. 12, 1980, and her second husband, Edward, who died in 1992; and her sister, Lucille V. Tessier, in March, 2010.

Members of her family include her son and daughter-in-law, John F. Jr. and Jean McGranahan of Hudson; a grandson, Kyle J. McGranahan of Hudson; also, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at Farwell Funeral Home, 18 Lock St., Nashua, Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis St., Nashua, Tuesday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, 03064. Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, (603) 882-0591 (www.farwellfuneral.com).