Claire L. (Ayotte/ St. Laurent) Ethier, 91, of East Falmouth, formerly of Norwood, Monday, December 26, 2023, Falmouth Hospital, following a short illness.

Claire was the loving wife of Laurent B. “Larry” Ethier, who preceded her in death April 2, 2018. Claire and Larry were life-long friends, began their courtship in spring 1992, married June 30, 1996, and shared over 25 years of love, laughter, travel, car shows, and happy times with both their families and many friends. 

Born in Woonsocket, RI, Claire was the oldest child of the late Conrad O. and Rose A. (Brousseau) Ayotte. She was a 1950 graduate of St. Clare’s High School. Claire was an accomplished classical pianist who studied under the renowned liturgical composer and teacher C. Alexander Peloquin and performed on-air for local radio stations. In 1970, Claire segued her musical talent to the pipe organ and began her studies with James P. Moritz, organist, and Boys Choir Director at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Norwood; she subsequently took over Moritz’s duties and served there for 16 years.

 Claire also studied under Richard J. Griffin, Chapter Dean of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and was a member in good standing of the AGO for more than 50 years. She served at numerous churches in the Boston area and Cape Cod, including St. Patrick Catholic Church, Natick; St. Denis Catholic Church, Westwood; Mission Church, Roxbury; St. Mary’s Parish churches, Dedham, Walpole, Somerville, Cambridge; Grace Episcopal Church, Norwood; St. Paul Episcopal, Dedham; and St. Anthony’s in East Falmouth, until age 85. Of special note, was Claire’s assistance at a Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

Claire is survived by children Susan St. Laurent Powell, Robert W. St. Laurent, Diane C. St. Laurent, sister Pauline Ayotte, RJM, granddaughter Rachel A. Powell and wife Kayla Copeland, niece Paulette (St. Laurent) Carrigan, grand-nephew and godson Christopher Gaudreau, nephews Roger, Billy, and David Tremblay, stepsons Steven L. Ethier and wife Linda, David R. Ethier and wife Sharon, and stepdaughter Michelle and husband Jim Siddall; grandchildren Kristin and husband Jervie Castro, Christopher Ethier and wife Tricia, Amber and husband Don Jeffer, Micaela and husband Mark Vanderzyden, Rachel and Jessica Siddall; great-grandchildren Tessa, Tanner, Natalie and Noelle; and a large, loving network of cousins, grand- and great-grandnieces and their families, and many special professional and personal friends. Claire was preceded in death by her parents Conrad and Rose, grandson Ross M. Powell, brother Oscar C. Ayotte, and former husband William E. St. Laurent.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at the Church of the Precious Blood in Woonsocket, RI, arrangements by Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, Woonsocket, RI. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Habitat for Humanity, or to the charity or church of your choice.