Claire Eileen McKenna passed away on January 18, 2026, in Severna Park MD, surrounded by her loving family.

Claire was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. Her parents were Catherine ”Ciss” and James“Jim” Lynch, both from County Clare, Ireland. Claire was extraordinarily close to her beloved sisters, Sr. Loretta Lynch, Sr. Theresa Lynch, and Catherine “Kitty” Riepe. Claire met the love of her life, John Francis McKenna, at a Catholic Youth Organization dance, became engaged on Christmas Eve 1957, and was married the following spring. They welcomed five children: Theresa, James, Francis, Mary Claire, and Loretta. She was an exceptionally loving mother and grandmother of fifteen.

Claire was a magna cum laude graduate of Fordham University, and held a Masters Degree in Education from Hunter College. She also received a certificate in Special Education from Worcester State College. Claire worked as a teacher in P.S. 9 in the Bronx and Clarks Summit Elementary School in Scranton PA. Later she taught in various public schools in Leicester and Worcester, MA. Claire also taught bilingual evening education classes for adults. She especially enjoyed her last position as a special education teacher at the Goddard School of Science and Technology in Worcester, before retiring in 1996.

After residing in Scranton PA, Claire and John moved to Massachusetts after John was hired as a professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester MA. It was in Cherry Valley where they raised their children and lived happily for many years.

For the last eighteen years, Claire resided in Severna Park, where she appreciated the warmer weather. Claire also greatly enjoyed being so near to her loving daughter Mary Claire and son-in-law Scott.

Claire was a member of the College of the Holy Cross Faculty Wives Club for many years. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Leicester MA, and St. John the Evangelist Church in Severna Park MD. She became an ardent Baltimore Orioles fan and enjoyed watching the games. Claire supported the various activities of the Catholic Women’s Group at St. Jane Francis Church in Riviera Beach, MD. Claire traveled to Ireland to meet family and loved all things Irish, especially Irish music. She enjoyed Bingo with her friends Dot, Rita, and Jackie.

Claire enjoyed hosting her two sisters, Loretta and Theresa, and took them on wonderful local sight-seeing trips. Claire also often welcomed her sister Kitty to Severna Park and they enjoyed fine dining and tours in Annapolis.

Claire was predeceased by her parents Ciss and Jim; her loving husband of forty nine years, John; her beloved sisters Theresa and Kitty; and three grandchildren Ryan McKenna, Catherine Poindexter, and Andrew Dion.

Claire is survived by her children: Mary Claire (Scott) Poindexter of Severna Park, Theresa McKenna of San Diego, Francis (Mary Ellen) McKenna of Northborough MA, James (Katie) McKenna of Millbury MA, and Loretta (Michael) Dion of Ranson, WV. Claire is also survived by her grandchildren, whom she cherished: Lena (Kyler), James, Katie (Sky), Henry (Michaela), Mark (Allie), Michelle, Kevin, Sean, Aidan, Christian (Marissa), Matthew (Rachel), and Timothy. She currently has two sweet great grandchildren Riley and Lilly. Claire is also survived by her beloved sister, Sr. Loretta Lynch, of Blauvelt, NY.

Claire was very fond of her many nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her nephew and godson, James Riepe, who visited her frequently. Claire’s son-in-law Scott, was particularly kind, generous, and helpful to Claire.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Northborough, MA on March 20, 2026 at 10:30 am, after which will be the inurnment, joining her husband John, at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon, MA. A Celebration of Life repast will be held afterwards at The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Claire's name to an organization of which she was very fond: the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt at 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York 10913, Attention: Development Office. For on-line donations, the following website may be used: www.opblauvelt.org

Many thanks to the staff at Assisted Living Well in Pasadena, MD, for the excellent care and love shown to Claire over the past year. Thanks also to the staff at Hospice of the Chesapeake, for their excellent care and compassion in her last days.