Claire M. Shunta's Obituary
Claire Marcelle Shunta was born into this world on March 6, 1918 in New Bedford, Mass. She gently passed into her eternal reward on May 6, 2016 at the age of 98. She was the daughter of Theodore and Arinda Michon Davignon.
Claire was many things but mostly a wonderful wife to Joseph Shunta and mother to her three treasures, her boys Joseph P. (Beverly), Thomas J. (Marie) and Denis C. (Barbara). She also adored her grandchildren, Laura, Jeff, Kevin and Brian.
Claire lived most of her life in Muskegon, coming to Michigan with her large French family, the D’Avignon’s, at the age of 13. She attended St. Jean’s High School and met the love of her life and partner, Joseph J., and they shared 73 years of marriage before his passing in 2012.
She was an incredible cook, avid reader, enjoyed ceramic painting, loved her bridge club and looked forward to trips up north with the family. She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Francis de Sales where she spent many hours volunteering at the school and also in many different church activities. But above all she was a loving and caring mother to her 3 sons.
Claire’s passing marks the end of the Shunta/D’Avignon families who were part of the “greatest generation.” In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews of those two families.
MASS of CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church – Marian Chapel with Rev. Fr. Philip P. Salmonowicz presiding. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the Mass at church. MEMORIALS can be directed to Harbor Hospice. BURIAL will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
The family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Seminole Shores who took wonderful care of “Claire Bear” for the past 4 years.
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