Claire L. (McIsaac) Marcinowski

Claire L. (McIsaac) Marcinowski, of Waltham, died Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital following a period of declining health. She was 88.

Claire was born in Boston on February 7, 1938, a daughter of the late Henry and Claire (Farrington) McIsaac, and was a graduate of Newton North High School

Following her marriage to Robert P. Marcinowski at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton, the couple made Waltham their lifelong home.

Claire was long active in the Church. She taught CCD at Our Lady’s Church before moving to Saint Mary’s Church where she participated in the parish prayer shawl ministry creating more than a hundred shawls.

Her crochet, quilting and sewing abilities were appreciated by her family and friends alike . . . each receiving a special gift over the years that have become treasured memories.

After Claire and Bob moved to ‘The Mill’ her warm smile and friendly nature earned many friends. She was also a volunteer at the Mill Store.

In addition to her husband, Bob, she leaves her children, Janet M. Santosuosso of West Sand Lake, New York, Karen E. Rainbolt (Edward) of Los Osos, California, Kathryn A. Littlefield (Scott) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Joseph S. Marcinowski of Hopkinton; her grandchildren, Jacob Santosuosso (Laura), Jillian Santosuosso, Garreth Santosuosso (Eliza), Olivia Santosuosso, Henry Santosuosso, Sarah Littlefield (John Green), Rebecca Littlefield, Dawn Rainbolt (Nathanael Boulot), Victoria Anton (Blake), Adam Rainbolt, Bradley Rainbolt, Joseph Marcinowski and James Marcinowski; her great-grandchildren, Miriam “Max” Petion, Darius Petion, Milo Santosuosso, Henry Santosuosso, Louise Santosuosso, Carter Anton and Arthur Boulot; her sister-in-law, Patricia DiMenno and several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Claire was also the sister of the late Marie Mantey and John McIsaac.

Family and friends will honor and remember Claire's life by gathering for an Afternoon Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, October 1st from 2 to 4 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Needham.