Obituary of Claire A. Hamel

Claire Agnes (Bisson) Hamel,age 100, of Chester and Ivoryton passed peacefully on Monday, January 28th at Aaron Manor in Chester. Claire was born in Warren, RI. on August 31, 1912, daughter of Marie (Dallaire) and Charles Bisson. After graduating from Business school, she worked in the tax office in Warren where she was also active in a French speaking theater group. She then worked in the offices of American Tourister where she met her husband William Hamel. They were married in 1941 and moved to California. During the war, she worked in a defense plant where she, along with so many other women, was known as "Rosie the riveter," something she was very proud of. In 1960, the family now numbering seven, returned to New England and settled in Chester. She worked in accounts payable at Chester Electronics for several years where she also headed the phonics program for school children. After retiring, Claire became a 20 year volunteer at Chesterfield's convalescent home - concluding her care of "the old folks" when she was in her mid 80's. Claire had been an avid stamp collector since she was a child. Her hobbies also included gardening and sewing. Claire is predeceased by her wonderful husband of 64 years, William; her brothers Robert and Ted Besaw; and her sister Virginia Besaw. She is survived by her five children: Bill Hamel of Chester; Meg Hamel Brash of Vermont; Tricia Hamel of Ivoryton; Kitty Hamel of Chester; and Tom Hamel of Old Saybrook, also her four grandchildren Trevor Brash and Caitlyn Brash of Florida; Ethan Brash of Vermont; also, William Gifford, his wife Erica, and Claire's great-grandchildren Annabelle and William Joseph (Liam) of Massachusetts. She will also be missed by her three sisters-in-law: Olive Bisson, Doris Besaw, and Janette Hamel, as well as her many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook January 31st from 5 to 7 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 1st at 11AM at St. Joseph Church, 48 Middlesex Ave. in Chester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Please visit www.rwwfh.com for more information or to leave a memory of Claire or a condolence for her family.