Clare C. (Leonard) Halvey Swift, 90, formerly of Auburn, died Sunday, August 18, 2013 at the Falls at Cordingly Dam, Newton, following an illness.

Her husband, Richard Swift died in 2003 . Her first husband, John L. Halvey died in 1983. She leaves her three daughters, Veronica M. Spokis and her husband Ronald of Sutton, Diane M. MacKirdy and her husband James of Charlton, and Clare M. Heffernan and her husband Roy of Newton; her seven grandchildren, Erica Foskett and her husband Mark of Charlton, Colleen Boria of Sutton, Katherine MacKirdy of Watertown, John Spokis and his wife Jerilyn of Sutton, Jana Heffernan of Boston, Erin MacKirdy of Charlton and Luke Heffernan of Somerville; her five great grandchildren, Jaiden, Cole and Mason Foskett, and Addison and Camden Boria. She was predeceased by her sister, Veronica Cygenhagen. Clare was born in the Bronx, NY, daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret T. (Farrell) Leonard and lived in Auburn for many years, and then spent 18 years in Cape Coral, FL before returning to the area. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Assumption College and then received her two Master’s Degrees from Clark University and from Fitchburg State University. Clare spent 15 years teaching for the Tantasqua Regional School/Union 61 in Sturbridge, first as an English teacher and then as the head of Special Education. Clare was an avid reader and enjoyed the ocean. Clare also enjoyed boating while in Florida and received a certification from the Coast Guard when she was in her 70’s.
Relatives and friends are invited at visit with Clare’s family on Wednesday, August 21st from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Her funeral will follow with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 AM in Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Auburn. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472