Claire C. Puglisi

August 13, 1937 - April 28, 2016

COLUMBIA – Claire C. Puglisi, 78, of Columbia passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2016, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, after a hard-fought battle with kidney cancer. She died the same way she lived, with courage, grace and dignity, and she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Claire was born on Aug. 13, 1937, the third child to the late Arthur and Bernice (Cushing) Couture. She attended the Straw School and graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1955. She lived most of her life in Manchester, working at Sunshine Cleaners for 25 years and the Merrimack Post Office until retiring to Columbia, NH, with her husband, Joe. Claire had many hobbies, organizations, and activities in which she was involved, including volunteering at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, making beautiful hand-made baskets, and the best Christmas cookies anyone has ever eaten! She leaves behind her loving husband of 29 years, Joseph Puglisi of Columbia, NH; her 9 children, Kathy Simpson (Dan) of Gilford, Karen Kaffel (Scott) of Manchester, Scott Komisarek (Amy) of Candia, Kim Komisarek of Manchester, John Komisarek and his caretakers, Kiran and Sangita Humagai of Hooksett, Kristen Flaherty (Jon) of Auburn, Karla Komisarek of Manchester, Karl Komisarek and his caretakers, Steve and Wendy Riendeau of Stewartstown, and Kelly Machos (Paul) of Manchester; 4 grandchildren, Douglas, Adam and Karah Kaffel, all of Manchester, and Kyle Flaherty of Auburn; a great-grandson, Thomas Kaffel of Bedford; a niece and godchild, Debra Price (Hal) of Hooksett; a brother, Alden Couture (Sylvia), of Candia; her sister, Deanna Sweet (Dan) of North Carolina; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by step-sons, David Puglisi of Florida, Gary Puglisi of Colebrook, and Alan Puglisi and partner, Terry, of Manchester. Claire also leaves behind her best friends Elaine White, Barbie McKinnon and Betsy Lynch, all of Colebrook. Claire is predeceased by her brother, Edward Couture, a sister, Irene Sullivan, both in 2012, and her step-son, Michael Puglisi in 2014. Calling hours will be on Thursday, May 5, 2016, from 9-10:45 a.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at St. Brendan’s Church at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Craig Cheney as celebrant. Burial will immediately follow at St. Brendan’s Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in Claire’s memory may be made to St. Brendan’s Church, 55 Pleasant St., Colebrook, NH 03576; or to the Special Olympics of NH, 650 Elm St., #200, Manchester, NH 03101, or online at www.sonh.org. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.