Claire 'Elaine' (Clements) Lawless

Waltham - Mrs. Claire 'Elaine' (Clements) Lawless, of Waltham, formerly of Newton, died Sunday, February 28, 2021 in Mount Auburn Hospital. She was 87.

Claire Elaine Clements was born November 14, 1933 in Boston a daughter of the late Harry Wilbur Clements and Claire Veronica (McGillicuddy) Clements. A graduate of the Practical Arts High School in Roxbury she was a member of the class of 1951. She married Richard J. Lawless in Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale on April 28, 1956. Residents of Newton over 20 years Elaine made Waltham her home in 1993. Richard died December 20, 1975.

Elaine had worked as an office manager in billing for The Future Now Corporation.

Wonderfully talented with needle and thread she made countless items for family and friends…all with love. She loved knitting as well and will be remembered as fiercely independent, feisty, strong and had a kind heart that loved and accepted everyone…beyond her family.

Family was the fabric of Elaine's life. She leaves her children, Richard J. Lawless (Lauren) of Hooksett, New Hampshire, Claire M. Lawless of Waltham, Patricia A. Casey (James) of Billerica, Michael F. Lawless of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Christopher J. Lawless (Susan) of Contoocook, New Hampshire and Stephen G. Lawless (Angela) of Holliston; her grandchildren, Chad Kirby, Kelli Lawless, Michael Casey, Jesse Lawless, Caleb Mahoney, Kevin Casey, Tyler Lawless, Colin Lawless, Tully Mahoney, Riley Lawless and Gavin Lawless; her great-grandchild, Killian Kirby; her sister, Gail Brown (late Stanley) of Milford and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Elaine was also the grandmother of the late Patrick Kirby, and the sister of the late Henry Clements (late Marilyn).

Family and friends will honor Elaine's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, March 5th from 4 to 7 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham. Burial will follow at Newton Cemetery.

Those wishing to view Elaine's Funeral Mass may do so by visiting https://my.gather.app/remember/claire-elaine-lawless on Saturday, March 6th at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 133 Federal Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110 https://wish.org/massri

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A note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love and support, give them a virtual hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

Cemetery services are included in the current outdoor gathering limit of twenty-five people.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance.

Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.