MaryAnn (O'Connell) St. Clair

Sturbridge/Wilbraham...MaryAnn St. Clair (née O’Connell), longtime Sturbridge resident, passed away October 10, 2017 at the age of 83. She was born in Buffalo, NY on December 26, 1933 and raised in Machias, NY, the daughter of the late William L. and Mary Anna (Zarabski) O’Connell. She attended local schools and completed Lab Technician / Medical Secretary training at Alfred St. College (NY). She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, John St. Clair. After their marriage, they moved to Newburyport, MA and later lived in New York, New Jersey, and Michigan before moving to Sturbridge, MA.  They also lived in Wiesbaden, Germany and Wales, United Kingdom for several years, before returning to Sturbridge, which allowed them to travel extensively in Europe.
 
MaryAnn was an active woman and, over the years, involved in many activities, including teaching CCD at St. Anne’s Parish, serving as a 4H leader, Cub Scout den mother, soccer mom, and providing “Mom’s Taxi Service” for innumerable other activities in which her children were involved. She was a lifelong advocate for Special Education Services, serving on the MARC parents’ committee which helped draft proposed Chapter 766 legislation. She was also involved in the Center of Hope in Southbridge and with early Community Residence programs in the Tri-Community area. MaryAnn was recognized by Venture Community Services with a Legacy award “in recognition of the vision and determination that creates opportunities, empowerment, and inclusion for people overcoming challenges every day.” She served as an instructor in the AARP Safe Drivers program and was a member of the Glenn A. Pratt Jr. Post 1460, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. In later years, she became a dedicated member of the Lay Assumptionists at St. Anne’s Parish where she shared in the spirituality and charism of Assumptionist founder, Father D’Alzon. She was enthusiastic about their mission to provide funds to help educate young students in the Philippines.  She was especially known for her decorated cookies, which she made for any and all occasions.
 
She is survived by her children, Susan DeFalco and her husband Michael of Brimfield, Joseph Michael St. Clair and his wife Ellen of Brimfield, Stephen St. Clair of Brimfield, Wayne St. Clair of Southbridge, and Mary Beth Bryant and her husband Fred of Wilbraham, her beloved grandchildren, Heather Page and her husband Ray of Chittenden, VT, Michael St. Clair and his wife Melissa of Sturbridge, and Christopher DeFalco of Brimfield, her great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Aidan Page, Ashley, Tori, and Devin Hazen,
and Dominic St. Clair and her great-great-grandchildren, Abigail and Isabelle. She was predeceased by her brother, William P. O’Connell and his wife, Kaye of Machias, NY.
 
Calling hours will be held at the Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge on Wednesday, October 18, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Parish, Fiskdale (please meet directly at the church)  on Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in MaryAnn’s name may be made to Special Olympics or Lay Assumptionists.
 

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