Claire T. Sylvain

Rochester - Claire T. Sylvain, 80, passed away Saturday September 3, 2011 at Colonial Hill of Rochester after a rapid decline in her health. Born June 23, 1931 in Rumford, ME she was the daughter of the late Leo and Lydia (Loisel) Henry Sr. Mrs. Sylvain had attended Madison High and played basketball during those years. In 1950 she married Ernest H. Sylvain from Skowhegan, ME. She was a military wife for 22 years and raised a family of five children as a stay at home Mom. In the early 70's she completed a course in doll technology. One of her hobbies was knitting and she knitted outfits for many of her dolls. One of her favorite pastimes was watching the Lawrence Welk Show. She and her husband went to Branson, MO for a live filming of the show. In later years she fell in love with the southern gospel musical group The Gaithers which she watched every Saturday night with her family. While living in Madrid, Spain she and her husband took up square dancing. Over the years she enjoyed collecting angel statues and figurines. Members of her family include her husband of 60 years Ernie Sylvain of Rochester, NH; her children Karen Regis and husband Clovis of Lebanon, ME; Norman Sylvain of Rochester, NH; Susan Sanders and husband Donny Granado of Gilbert, AZ; and Nancy Roy and husband James of Rochester, NH; eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one sister Fay Anne Baker of Pompano Beach, FL; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Dennis Sylvain, her sister Evelyn LeBlanc and her brother Leo Henry, Jr. Family and friends may visit Wednesday September 7, 2011 from 11 AM - 1 PM at the R.M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home 86 S. Main St. Rochester, NH. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Rochester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Homemakers of Strafford County, 215 Rochester Hill Rd. Rochester, NH 03867.