Claire Ann (Gagne) St. Martin

Hampton – Claire Ann (Gagne) St. Martin, (87) of Hampton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Webster at Rye. She was the loving wife of Leo St. Martin. Claire was born on January 27, 1936, in East Douglas, MA., to the late Marie Antoinette (Roy) Gagne and Clarence Armand Gagne. Raised and educated in Douglas, Massachusetts, Claire attended Douglas Memorial High School, graduating in the class of 1953. From there, she went on to study at the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1956, completing her RN certification while working at the Memorial Hospital. On June 20, 1959, Claire married Leo Irving St Martin, Jr. and together they began their devoted lives together in a small home on Dearborn Ave in Hampton, NH. Claire and Leo had four children, Christine, John, Paul, and Matthew. Life in the peaceful town of Hampton was filled with quiet summers near the beach with time for swing sets, sandboxes, and chasing the music of the ice cream truck. As the family grew, Claire and Leo took the next step by building a new home together and moving into the pleasant neighborhood of homes on Taylor Street. Claire quickly became well known and loved among the welcoming neighborhood of families. Claire cherished each new and lasting bond of friendship as she enjoyed hosting the growing circle of friends and together, they watched over the thriving children who shared every yard on the street while they played all day outdoors. The Taylor Street village of families formed lifelong friendships, frequently rushing back to meet at the “big rock” behind the St. Martin’s house sharing snacks and drinks, listening for the ice cream truck, or for a picnic lunch hosted by Claire. Occasionally some form of minor first aid might be needed, and Claire was sought out by all who knew her to be a truly caring mother to all and as she was the gentlest nurse, calmly offering to provide comfort for everyone in need. Claire and Leo shared many years of memorable holidays, lobster-bakes, and family gatherings while raising their blessed and happy family in Hampton. In 1975, Claire and Leo moved to the Linden Hill Farm, on South Road in North Hampton, NH. The huge house and barn, vast yard and trees provided the family the opportunity to embarked on another American Dream in the form of life on a New England farm. Claire found greatest joy in keeping the small but lively homestead in North Hampton. Claire had a passion for cooking and baking in the large country kitchen and she always kept the growing family well fed. The farmhouse was always filled with family, friends, and guests. Soon there were gardens and ever-growing herds of sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens. This love of life on the small farm also grew a beloved circle of new and dear friends who shared a passion for the 70’s trend toward a homesteading lifestyle. Claire and Leo maintained the valued family tradition of annual gatherings, and these grew to be grand events hosted at “The Linden Hill Farm”, where extended family and friends from far and near felt welcomed and loved as they were all blessed by the banquet from Claires kitchen and the kind and truly caring heart of Claire St. Martin. By the late Fall of 1986, Claire and Leo began a new chapter in their lives. Claire’s enduring love of the Seacoast Community brought them full circle and back to the heart of the small town of Hampton. They moved to a beautiful home on Towle Avenue, located within walking distance of their church and the Town Square. Claire continued to bring family and friends together each Season for gatherings such as the annual backyard “Octoberfest”. Claire and Leo began to travel to faraway destinations each year. Claire’s love for her husband, her family and her friends are a lasting beacon we may look to and feel hope and comfort. Working for many years at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Claire was a kind, caring and welcoming soul to so many members of our Hampton parish community. (Retired) A founding member of the St Vincent De Paul Society, Claire worked with the Society since the inception in 1989 with devoted service through to her retirement honors celebration. (Retired 2020) In addition to her husband Leo St. Martin, Claire is survived by her children, Christine Carberry of Rye, John St. Martin and his wife Marie of Whitefield NH, and Matthew St. Martin of Hampton. Claire is also survived by her five beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Rachel, Amanda, Jennie, and Sarah. She is also survived by her brother Charles Gagne and his wife Martha of Westborough, MA, and four nieces, Renee, Lynn, Melissa, and Julia. In addition to her parents, Claire was predeceased by her son Paul St. Martin and her son-in-law Tim Carberry. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Claire for a graveside service on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at High Street Cemetery, 150 High Street, Hampton, NH 03842. All are welcome to attend. . In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Vincent De Paul Society of Hampton by clicking here

Claire Ann (Gagne) St. Martin

January 27, 1936 - January 13, 2024