It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you that our long-time colleague and dear friend, Claire Griffen, has passed away. Claire devoted over 35 years of her professional life to the Town of Barnstable as an extraordinary paralegal in the Legal Department, retiring eight years ago at the age of 78. She was a wonderful, forever friend to so many of us, an outstanding colleague to all of us, and an exceptional advocate for all town employees. Her dedicated professionalism touched virtually every aspect of the Town and its staff. We are all better, much better, for having her in our lives.

There will be a short service broadcast on YouTube from her place or worship this Saturday, January 22nd. There will be a Celebration of Life for her on Saturday, May 21st. Her obituary with full details is below.

Respectfully,

Ruth Weil, T. David Houghton, Charlie McLaughlin, and Karen Nober

 

Claire picture with blue dress blond curly hairClaire R. Griffen

Claire peacefully entered into eternal life on January 13, 2022.  Claire was born on June 29, 1935 with one of the best gifts of her life, being her twin, Katie.  They were one of three sets of twins along with five other siblings:  Laura, Monica, Veronica, Buddy, Mikki, Lanette, Donna, and Dorian.  She was a devout member of the Cape Cod Seventh Day Adventist Church.  The church was an integral part of her life which became her extended family.  Claire worked for the Town of Barnstable for 35 years as a paralegal and retired, only eight years ago, at the age of 78.  Claire was an extremely caring, loving, and giving person who continued this mission up until her last day.  She always kept in touch with those she loved and will forever be in all of our hearts.  Claire is survived by:  her twin Katie; her two children Mark and Kim; her two grandchildren Zeb and Cole; and her two great-grandchildren Zain and Adrianna.  She was predeceased by: her sisters Monica and Veronica, her brother-in-law Jim Dutton, and her precious great-grandson Devon Johnson.  A special thank you to Mary and Bill Sherman for their love and devotion to her.  There will be a live stream service on Saturday, January 22nd at 1:00 PM, on YouTube.com – Cape Cod Seventh Day Adventist Church.  There will be a full outdoor service and meal for all to celebrate Claire’s life at the Cape Cod Seventh Day Adventist Church on Saturday, May 21st at 3:00 PM.