Obituary of Clare (Donovan) Wadsworth

Clare Donovan Wadsworth, 89 of Duxbury, Massachusetts passed away on 8 November, 2020. Born in Plymouth, Ma, she lost her father at the tender age of 5, and learned how to be a strong, independent woman from her hard-working mother. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Clare earned her Bachelor's Degree from Lesley College in 1954 and became an elementary school teacher for the town of Duxbury, teaching 2nd grade for 29 years. In 1953, she met William Wadsworth Sr, and in 1956 they were wed in Plymouth, Ma.

  She taught 2nd grade for 29 years in Duxbury, taking 9 years off early in her career to raise their 2 children. Clare had a passion for teaching, which was evident by the interactions she often had with her former students later in life. Having lived and worked in the same community, she would often see former students around town and they would always greet her with a smile and a friendly conversation. Often these chance meetings were 20-30 years after having had the student in her class. Amazingly she would still recognize them and could instantly recall stories relating to the student. For instance, how brilliant they were in a subject or what they brought in for show and tell. Later in life, still maintaining the desire to teach, she worked at the Duxbury Senior Center teaching classes in an adult literacy program.

  Clare cherished the lifelong friendships she formed from her days at Lesley College. She maintained a close bond with these dear friends for over 60 years. Weekend trips to Martha’s Vineyard, attending every college reunion as well as exchanging Christmas and birthday cards kept the bond they formed in College strong enough to last a lifetime.

  Family meant everything to Clare. This was best exemplified by the annual 4th of July cookout she held at her home, followed by attending the Duxbury parade. This was a joyous event for her shared with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

  Two years ago, at the tender age of 87, Clare boarded a plane and traveled 2200 miles to attend the wedding of her beloved granddaughter Leanne. An avid dancer, Clare could be found on the dance floor most of the evening, whether it was with either of her cherished grandchildren or just out there learning the latest line dance. She truly enjoyed her evening and almost stole the show as well.

  Clare was a voracious reader, animal lover, admirer of nature and deeply religious woman. When she was not reading or sitting out on her patio soaking up the sun and admiring her beautiful trees she could be found at her favorite pastime, playing cribbage. Having taught the game to her children and her grandchildren, she had a passion for the game and a competitive streak a mile wide. She could also be found at the Duxbury Senior Center enjoying an afternoon of cribbage with her fellow seniors. She was gracious in victory or defeat, but she really enjoyed winning. 

  Whether she was known to you as Clare, Mrs. Wadsworth, Grammie or Mum, her infectious laugh will be dearly missed. She is survived by her loving daughter Marcia Mowell and husband Ken of Killeen, Tx, her son William Wadsworth Jr and wife Carol of Carver Ma, her granddaughter Leanne Drell and husband Tim of Lampasas, Tx, her grandson Ryan Mowell of Lampasas, Tx, her niece Sue Donovan-Delaney of Plymouth, Ma, her niece Linda Donovan of Kingston, Ma and her nephew Michael Donovan of Weymouth, Ma.

  Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St, Kingston on Monday, November 16th, from 3:00 to 7:00PM. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00AM on November 17th at Holy Family Church in Duxbury. Interment will directly follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Plymouth.

  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Standish Humane Society, 622 Congress St #3113, Duxbury, MA 02332.