Claire B. Hungerford

Hungerford, Claire Bolan Claire Bolan Hungerford, 77 of West Hartford, beloved wife of 56 years to Kenneth O. Hungerford died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday September 28, 2007 after a very long and debilitating struggle with Alzheimer?s disease. She was born February 1, 1930 in Hartford and was the daughter of the late James and Minnie Hoffereth Bolan. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Bolan. She is a 1949 graduate of Hall High School, West Hartford and attended St. Joseph College, West Hartford. Claire married her high school sweetheart, Ken on September 22, 1951. Claire worked at the Aetna Life and Casualty Company from 1951-1955. After raising eight children, Claire returned to work for the Town of West Hartford as a crossing guard in 1975. Claire received a commendation in May of 1991 from the West Hartford Police Department for saving two children at her crossing guard post by pushing them out of the way of a speeding car. She kept this position until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer?s disease in 1994. Besides her husband, Claire leaves her children: Gail Gavalis and husband Jerry of Gastonia, N.C.; Laura Hungerford of New London, CT; Joyce Halkin and husband Ken of Amesbury, MA; Karen Bemis and husband Mark of West Hartford, CT; Nancy Jensen and husband Kristian of Farmington, CT; Holly Martino and husband Stephen of Plainville, CT; Jim Hungerford and wife Susan of West Hartford, CT; Andrea Hungerford of West Hartford, CT. Claire also leaves 14 grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Garrett and Travis Gavalis; Tom and Katharine Halkin; Jennifer and Heather Bemis; Kelly and Susan Jensen, Alyssa, Carly and Stephanie Martino; Cierra and Drew Hungerford; Amanda Hungerford. Claire will be remembered for her incredible sense of humor and the smile she had for everyone she knew and loved. Her home was always open to all, especially her children?s friends. Her happiest days were those spent with family and friends at the many numerous sporting events, dances, and celebrations that occurred each year. She especially loved to attend her children & grandchildren?s activities and will always be remembered as their number one Cheerleader. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the St. Mary?s Home Administration, Callahan Crossing Staff and the Staff of One West for their loving care during the 10 years Claire was a resident. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Claire?s memory can be made to the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer?s Association 279 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 or to St. Mary?s Home, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. Calling hours will be Tuesday, October 2, 2007 from 4-8 PM at Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Friends are invited to join Claire?s family at the celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St, Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave. West Hartford on Wednesday October 3, 2007. Online messages of remembrance and sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Claire B. Hungerford

February 1, 1930 - September 28, 2007