Claire M. Abrams, 97 September 14, 1926 - December 10, 2023

HAVERHILL – Claire M. Abrams, Age 97, passed away peacefully at home in Maui, HI where she resided for the last few years with her daughter Maryetta and son-in-law Michael. Claire was born and raised in Haverhill, MA, the eldest daughter of the late Joseph A. and Etta M. (Comeau) Deveau.

In her teenage years, which were during The Depression, Claire was employed at the hat factory and the mills of Haverhill, making supplies for the troops during the war.  She was employed for over 40 years and retired from New England Telephone Company which became Bell Telephone.  She worked as a telephone switchboard operator and in later years as a manager. She enjoyed her career and often spoke of the wonderful summers she spent on Cape Cod working for the Telephone Company seasonal services, living in a boarding house with the other women telephone operators, spending their days off on the beach and sailing.  She was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

In 1955 she met the love of her life, her husband of 63 years, Ellis W. (Abe) Abrams. They made their home in Haverhill, where they raised 3 daughters and 1 son. After raising their family, Claire and Ellis moved to their beloved lake house in Hampstead, NH where for many decades she would host large gatherings of family and friends for cook-outs and boat rides around the lake. Her fresh baked blueberry pies with berries she picked on their property were a family favorite of these gatherings. She loved her family and friends beyond measure and took such joy in being surrounded by them for any occasion that would bring them together. She loved playing cards, especially Skip-Bo, and Dominos with her grandchildren. She never missed a weekly Bingo game or drove past a casino. Both were favorite pastimes and she took advantage of many bus trips for seniors.

Claire loved to travel and spent her retirement years travelling with her husband in their motor home, visiting family and gaining many friends along the way. They enjoyed cruises, and a couple trips abroad as well as spending several winters in Maui with her daughter and son-in-law.  In her later years Claire moved to The Residence at Salem Woods in Salem, NH where she made many new friends and enjoyed all of the social activities there.  Claire was an inspiration and positive influence to all those that knew her. The staff was especially caring and kind and we wish to say thank-you for all the years they cared for her. Claire’s family would like to extend a special thank-you for the kindness and care she received from Hospice Maui over the last 6 months. They are angels on earth.

Claire is survived by her daughters Maryetta and her husband Michael Sciuto, of Makawao, HI, Diana and her husband Daniel Elsemiller, of York, ME, Cynthia and her husband George Amidon, of Wilmington, MA; her brother Ralph Deveau, of Lake forest, CA; her sisters Joanna Christian, of FL, and Eunice Braithwaite, of Joppa, MD.  She also leaves behind grandchildren Daniel J. and his wife Tara Elsemiller, of East Kingston, NH, Michael S. Scuito and his partner Kanani Bush of Pahoa, HI, and Rachel Sciuto, of Maui, HI; great grandchildren Aiden Daniel Elsemiller, Ilikea Sciuto-Ponce, Kamaile Sciuto, Kamoni Sciuto, Kekoa Sciuto, Michael Sciuto-Pszyk, Allen Sciuto-Pszyk; and great great grandchild Ku-u Sciuto-Sutherland.

Claire is predeceased by her husband Ellis W. Abrams; son William J. Abrams; brothers Lucien Deveau, Hubert Deveau, Donald Deveau, Conrad Deveau and Norman Deveau; and sisters Jeanette Duarte, Myrna Newell, Roberta Dumont.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, December 17 form 4PM until 6PM, followed by a funeral home chapel service at 6PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Maui, 400 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793, 808-244-5555. A private burial will take place at a later date. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com