FRANKLIN: Claire M. Vaughan

Claire Marie (Hurlebaus) Vaughan, 88, of Marlborough, MA (formerly of South Boston, Franklin, MA and Wolfeboro, NH) passed on to her good Lord’s peace and promise on March 8, 2026, after a long illness. She was the loving wife of Walter “Wally” Vaughan. They were married for over 65 years. Her beautiful, caring spirit had an impact on all who knew her.

Claire grew up in South Boston and attended Gate of Heaven High School where she was captain of the Championship Gatesmen Rifle and Drill Team. She worked in Boston as a secretary before deciding to join American Airlines as a stewardess. She worked the first Boeing 707 transcontinental flight out of Logan Airport to Los Angeles. As a stewardess, Claire travelled to Europe, Mexico and across the United States. Claire and Wally married in 1960 and moved to Franklin in 1962 where they grew their love into a family of seven. Claire returned to school and became a Registered Nurse, caring for patients and newborn babies at Newton Wellesley Hospital for 27 years. This, all while caring for her family (she “grew us up well”, says Wally).

Being a friend was also what Claire did well. She was always there for all of our friends and cousins as “Mom Vaughan”. A community volunteer and leader, she was President of the PTA, drove many miles for FISH of Franklin, delivered meals with Friends of Franklin, participated with the Church Ministry at St. Mary Church, and the Cursillo movement. Later in life she enjoyed activities at the Franklin Senior Center and played chair volleyball with the “Franklin Firecrackers.” At New Horizons, where she and Wally lived, she sang in the chorus, participated in sing-along shows with Wally and their friends, and enjoyed attending book club.

Claire loved family vacations in Wolfeboro, singing, reading, going to parades,

peaceful prayer, and cheering on her grandchildren at all of their activities. Her beautiful and loving spirit not only “passes on” to the peace and promise of her Creator God, but, as a pebble thrown into a pond, her ripples of good deeds and caring wisdom shall continue to “pass on” among us. She was the friend of those in need and a friend in deed.

Claire leaves her loving husband, Wally Vaughan of Marlborough (formerly of Dedham, MA) and their five loving children and spouses: Marie and Christopher Hobbie (Clarks Summit, PA), Walter and Pamela Vaughan (Westford, MA), Patrick Vaughan and Beverly Hogan (Litchfield, NH), Hope and Hakim Sebti (Ashland, MA) and Kristin and Daniel Flanagan (Sudbury, MA). Also, her nine grandchildren: Cory, Elizabeth, Christopher, Caroline, Celia, Emma, Derek, Grace and Hallie; one surviving brother, William “Bill” Hurlebaus and his wife, Alice, of Marion, VA, her brothers in law, Deacon Ken Ryan and Dave Larocque. She is predeceased by her brother Michael Hurlebaus (Max Navarre), and her sisters, Jean Larocque and Carolyn Ryan. Claire is also beloved by her cousins, nieces, nephews, and so many wonderful friends.

Dearest Claire, thank you for being a friend. Your beautiful spirit has “passed on” to be in the company of your good Lord and that spirit of friendship continues to ripple among us. Let us join her loving spirit in “passing on” all she taught us. We love you so much and our love is ever with you!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Tuesday March 17th, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 9-10:30AM.

A funeral Mass will follow at 11AM in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin. To view the Mass

stmarysfranklin.org

Burial will be at the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rosie’s Place in Boston, Catholic Relief Services, or a charity of your choice.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com