Claire E. (Cohen) Gard, 93, formerly of Bristol, passed away at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center on Friday, April 7, after a long illness. Claire was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and was the youngest of three daughters of the late Murray and Gussie (Friedman) Cohen.
She graduated from Central High School in Bridgeport and before marrying, she worked at Plimpton Stationers in Hartford. After raising her three children, she enjoyed work as a receptionist and telephone operator at Marriott International Inc. and later at the J. M. Ney Company. She also worked alongside her husband Seymour at Gard Pharmacy, helping with bookkeeping, purchasing and servicing customers.
Claire was a devoted wife and mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. She enjoyed time spent with the family, cooking, baking, and her knitting and needlepoint hobbies, as well as bowling and golf. She was very active at the Beth Israel Synagogue, holding several offices including President of the Sisterhood. Claire also loved singing and could be found busy with the synagogue children in her many “Sing Along with Claire” sessions as well as being onstage with the Bristol Civic Theatre Group.
Claire was predeceased by her husband, Seymour. She is survived by her son, David and his husband Kenneth Pontes of Massachusetts, two daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Donald Burdette of Connecticut, and Eve and Scott Cabral of Massachusetts; her dear grandchildren, Lianna and Stefan, and many loving nieces and nephews. Claire was predeceased by her two sisters, Beverly Hershman and Roslyn Fichman.
The Gard family would like to thank the staff of the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale, Mass., for the superior care and great kindness they have shown.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. Burial will follow in Beth Israel Cemetery, 626 Lake Ave., Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Funk Funeral Home, Bristol, is honored to serve the Gard family. Please visit Claire’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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