Claire M. Garrity Neas, 70, formerly of Lunenburg

LUNENBURG: Claire M. (Kakos) Garrity Neas, 70, a former resident of Lunenburg, died Sunday, May 31, 2026 at her home following a struggle with cancer. Claire was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, December 9th, 1955, the beloved daughter of Leon and Mary Kakos. Claire had five siblings- Jim, Peter, Karen, Leigh and the youngest, Valerie. From the very beginning, Claire lived a life rooted in compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for others. She carried herself with quiet grace and gave endlessly of her heart to everyone, fortunate enough to know her. Claire had a rare gift for making people feel safe, welcomed and deeply cared for. She instinctively knew when someone needed comfort, encouragement, or simply a listening ear. Her warmth was immediate and genuine, whether shared with lifelong friends, family members, neighbors or strangers she had just met. Her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Family was the center of Claire’s world. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her four children- Brian, Mary, Jim and Patrick. No matter where they traveled together, they built a home filled with love, laughter and compassion. With her former husband of 26 years, Brian Garrity, they taught through both words and example how to love deeply, care for others and always put family first. Nothing brought Claire greater joy than being surrounded by her grandchildren. She poured endless love into Colin, Christian, Maliha, Ali, Faith, Moriah, Owen, Sarah, Jocelyn, James and Amelia, cherishing every moment spent with them. To her grandchildren, she was not only a grandmother, but a source of comfort, guidance, joy and unconditional love. She made each of them feel uniquely special and endlessly supported. Claire eventually found love again and married Barry J. Neas, whom she cared for until his last days. Claire also found joy in the arts and in bringing beauty into the lives of others. She supported the Guild Dancers for many years, loved singing in the chorale and carried music with her wherever she went. Whether through song, creativity, laughter or conversation, Claire had a way of lifting the spirits of those around her. She was quick to laugh and even quicker to make others smile. Her gentle nature, generous heart and radiant spirit brought people together and made the world feel softer and kinder. So many considered her a second mother, a trusted friend and a constant source of love and reassurance. To know Claire was to know true selflessness. She lived not for herself, but for the people she loved. Her legacy is one of compassion, devotion and unconditional love — a legacy that will continue to live on through her family and through the countless lives she touched. Claire could not be spoken of accurately without remembering those she lost earlier than expected. Her closest friend, Martha Browne, her Grandson, Christian Garrity, her niece, Cynthia Kakos and her greatest loss, Brian Emmett, her first born. She will be missed beyond words and loved forever. Claire’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours from 4-7 PM Friday, June 5, 2026 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street, (Rte 119) Townsend Center. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, June 6, 2026 at St. Cecelia's Church, 180 Mechanic Street, Leominster followed by interment at North Cemetery, Lunenburg.

Tributes

Claire M. Garrity Neas, 70, formerly of Lunenburg

December 9, 1955 - May 31, 2026