Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Claire L. Raetano (Haas), 75, of Derry, NH, formerly a longtime resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Claire was born on July 28, 1950, and was the beloved daughter of the late Henry and Winifred (Walbourne) Haas. She was raised in Wilmington, MA, and spent much of her youth surrounded by extended family and friends in Revere. Claire was a graduate of Wilmington High School.
She married a handsome young serviceman, Robert Raetano, and together they began a life of adventure while he served in the United States Air Force. Their journey took them to several duty stations including Kentucky, Kansas, and Alaska. During these years, Claire began raising their family and created a warm, loving home wherever they were stationed. Following Bob’s honorable discharge, the family returned to New England, living in Salem and Londonderry, NH, before settling back in Wilmington, MA. They made their home on Park Street, where they became active members of the community and formed many lasting friendships with neighbors.
Family was always at the center of Claire’s world. Her home was open to all, and she had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and loved. She especially enjoyed hosting family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Claire was deeply devoted to her children and absolutely adored her grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them.
For over 25 years, Claire was a dedicated and trusted employee in the Quality Assurance Department at the HADCO Company, where she was known for her strong work ethic and reliability.
In her free time, Claire loved to travel, exploring new places and meeting new people. She especially enjoyed her many adventures with her dear friend Peggy. Claire also looked forward to outings to Bingo, Foxwoods, and trips to Las Vegas, always hoping to “try her luck.”
Claire was a wonderful woman with an endearing personality and a generous heart. She would go out of her way to help anyone in need and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Claire was the beloved wife of the late Robert Raetano; the devoted mother of William Raetano and his wife Christine of Rochester, NH, Lisa Marks of Derry, NH, and Christopher Raetano and his wife Kimberly of New Hudson, MI. She was the loving “Na” to Justin Marks and his wife Katelyn, Jeremy Raetano, Nicholas Marks and his wife Aleksandra, Emily Raetano, Cassidy Raetano, Vincent Raetano, Alexander Raetano, and Samantha Raetano; and the cherished great-grandmother of Rita Marks.
She was the dear sister of Teresa Fogg and her husband Donald of Florida; the late James Haas; the late Thomas Haas and his wife Judy Haas of Maine; and the late Marjorie Gardner. Claire is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Tuesday, January 6th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. All are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7th at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Claire’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box , Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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