Claire M. Croce

Claire M. Croce, age 96, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill on March 30, 2026, after a short period of failing health.

Born in Boston on July 22, 1929, Claire was the daughter of the late Isaac and Lillian (Higgins) Melnick. Raised in East Boston, she graduated from East Boston High School before moving to Wakefield in 1958.

For over 20 years, Claire was a familiar and friendly presence at the local Greenwood pharmacies, where many will fondly remember “the lady at the pharmacy” who served the community with warmth and kindness.

She leaves behind a legacy as a good friend to many. Claire had a zest for life, enjoying travel and especially treasured her annual trips to Las Vegas, Foxwoods and Ogunquit with her close-knit group of friends affectionately known as the “Best Girlfriend’s Club” (BGFC), where she was fondly regarded as both CEO and CFO. She delighted in spending time with her best, best girlfriends.

Above all, Claire cherished time with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Nan,” brought her immense joy.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Croce, Sr. for 64 years. She was the loving mother of Gail LeBlanc of Greenland, NH and her late husband Charles “Chuck” LeBlanc, the late Joseph Croce Jr. and his late wife Kathleen Croce, and the late Wayne Croce and his late wife Olga Holland Croce. She was the adoring “Nan” of Jim, Danny, Andrea, Jenna, Rachael, Chris, Sean, and the late Tammy. She is also survived by her 16 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, as well as her loyal and caring friend, Cindy Field. Claire was also predeceased by her great grandson, Ryan Daley.

Claire will also be remembered fondly by her “second family”, the late Charlie and Jean Curran of Wakefield and all their children and grandchildren.

Her Funeral Service will be held in the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, April 3 at 11:30am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 10am. Interment to follow at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Claire's memory may be made to the Wayne and Olga Holland Croce Fund. Checks should be made payable to The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield and mailed to P.O. Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880. Online donations can be made at TSFofWakefield.org/donate. Please indicate that your donation is for the Wayne and Olga Holland Croce Fund by noting it on the check memo line or by including the fund name in the message section of your online donation.

A special thank you to the staff at High Pointe House for their compassion taking care of this special lady.