Claire L. Harrington

Claire L. Gelinas Harrington, 91, formerly of 18 Coggeshall Way, Middletown, widow of William Bill Harrington, former President of The Bank of Newport, died peacefully at RI hospital on March 19th. Born in Pawtucket, RI, on April 18, 1920, she is survived by her daughters, Patricia H. Berkov and husband Kenneth of New London, NH, Susan H. Lacroix and husband Gerald of Bonita Springs, FL, and son William P. Harrington and wife Karen of Middletown. Also, two grandsons, Stephen Berkov and Adam Berkov and wife Katrin, and two great-grandchildren Milena and Lukas Berkov.Claire was known for her loving heart and generosity. She worked as a personnel secretary at the Torpedo Station in Newport during WWII where she met her future husband. She volunteered as a Grey Lady at the Newport Hospital and offered her services as a Braille writer for many years. She was a generous donor to the Newport Hospital Eye Care Center. A devoted and loving mother, she also loved and cared for many animals throughout her life. Singing and playing music with family and friends was her joy.She was an avid reader and wrote poetry throughout her life, creating a family poetry anthology. She was an active resident of Blenheim-Newport since 2007.A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 10:30 am in St. Lucy Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI. Inurnment will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 6-8 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.In her memory, donations may be made to the Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.