Claire L. Hagerty

Claire L. Hagerty passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at Nevins Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre, at the age of 94.

She was born on August 28, 1931, in Somerville, Massachusetts to James F. and Josephine T. (Ahern) Condon. She attended Somerville schools and carried with her the values of hard work, resilience, and neighborly kindness that were so often associated with the place she called home. Those who knew Claire remembered her as a warm and friendly person. Her kind and easy manner, along with her wonderful Irish wit, always made everyone feel welcome and at ease.

Claire spent many years working as a server at the Embassy Lounge and Johnny D's Uptown Lounge, both in Somerville, where she became a familiar and appreciated face to patrons and co-workers alike. She also volunteered for many years as a singer with the North Cambridge Senior Center providing a comforting presence for those confined to hospitals and nursing homes. She was an avid Boston Celtics fan and followed the team with enthusiasm and loyalty. She also enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling, dining out, listening to her favorite singers and watching her favorite television show, “Friends”, as well as sharing all her cherished memories and stories with family and friends. Claire especially loved entertaining at her home, where she welcomed others with warmth, hospitality and her friendly and generous personality.

Claire is survived by her children Stephen Kelly and his wife Nancy of Salem, NH and Darlene Kelly of Salem, NH; her grandchildren Jeffrey Kelly and his wife Melissa of Tewksbury, MA, Sean Kelly of Lawrence, MA, Erin Freitas and her husband Nicholas of Salem, NH, Eric Kelly of Punta Gorda, FL and Kevin Kelly of Waltham, MA; great-grandchildren Makenna, Brooke, Shane, Hayden and Nico; nephew Eugene Papa and companion Jennifer Yanco, their daughter Anna Yanco-Papa and her husband Kevin Braxton and their children Cosima, Luca and Benicio Braxton-Papa, as well as her sister-in-law Jane Papa and close friend Maureen Spear.

She is predeceased by her first husband James H. Kelly, Jr., second husband Gerald Hagerty, son James H. Kelly, III, sister Irene Papa, and brother-in-law D. Cosmo Papa.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 7:30-9:30 AM at the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH, 03079. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM at Saint Joseph Church, 40 Main Street, Salem, NH, 03079. Interment will be private.

All are welcome to join family and friends for a repast luncheon to celebrate Claire’s life at The Chateau Restaurant located at 131 River Road, Andover, MA, 01810, at 12:00 PM following the Funeral Mass. The family welcomes and appreciates both floral arrangements and gifts of support. Donations may be made in Claire's memory to the American Liver Foundation or The Home for Little Wanderers (Boston, MA). To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com

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