ABBATE, CLAIRE C (FLEURANT), 96, formerly of Alice Ave, Woonsocket, RI, passed away at St. Antoine's Residence, North Smithfield, RI on Thursday, April 13, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Rocco A. Abbate.
Claire was born in Woonsocket to the late George and Bertha (Cote) Fleurant. She loved Woonsocket and took great pride in its French-Canadian heritage. Claire and Rocco raised three outstanding sons in the city that she proudly called home for 93 years.
Although Claire worked at McCarthy's Department Store, Nyanza Mills Outlet Store, and Lee's Pharmacy she took much pride in being a homemaker to her family and their growing families. Her loved ones and her favorite neighbors didn't need seasonal weather reports to note the changes of every season. They simply had to walk into Claire's home and see which curtains she was putting in her windows during her annual Spring and Fall cleaning events. Claire kept an impeccable home that welcomed everyone who walked through the doors. When you walked through her Abbate doorway you were greeted with a tight hug, a kiss and the immediate request to sit down so she could feed you. Claire was happiest when cooking and entertaining her family and friends. She enjoyed the moments in her life that brought people together. She loved simply sitting on their Alice Avenue porch during the warmer months and hearing the sounds of children laughing and playing in their neighborhood. The smell of a pasta sauce coming from her kitchen, was always a delight to her family and neighbors. She always had a pot of soup on the stove during the winter months and her pasta sauce and homemade raviolis are legendary.
Claire had a green thumb. She loved flowers and created window boxes for their home that lent themselves to a warm and caring welcome. From numerous house plants to flowers in the garden, to her beautiful window boxes, all flourished under her care, just as her family did. She wanted little and gave much. Her neighbors were her extended family whom she loved dearly.
It would be impossible to discuss Claire's working history without mentioning the job she loved most during her lifetime. It was the job she held at the Woonsocket Museum of Work and Culture. She took great pride in her position there. It offered her ample opportunity to brag on her favorite city and its wonderful heritage. It also gave her yet another opportunity to bond with some wonderful visitors to the city and some special co-workers.
Claire is survived by her devoted children, John A. Abbate and his wife Gabrielle, of Burrillville, Rocco V. Abbate and his wife Maureen of South Kingstown, and Judith Abbate, wife of the late Denis M. Abbate of North Smithfield. Claire is loved by eight grandchildren, Jenna, Tony, Christopher, Ashley, Andrew, Elizabeth, Kaitlin and Kyle. Claire is also the great grandmother to eleven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her best friends and sisters, Theresa Cavedon and Georgette Denning.
Her funeral will be held Monday, April 17, 2023, beginning with visitation from 8:30-9:30 in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 S. Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am in St. Anthony's Church, 128 Greene St, Woonsocket. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to the Museum of Work and Culture are appreciated.
