Claire A. Lewis

Claire A. (Bardol) Lewis, 93, a lifelong Franklin resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Born July 14, 1932 in Milford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Henry J. Bardol Jr. and Mary Louise (Sweeney) Bardol and beloved wife of the late Albert R. "Al" Lewis, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Claire graduated from Franklin High School in 1950, where she was voted "Class Wit," "Best Natured," and "Finest Sense of Humor" by her classmates. Claire was a social butterfly, involved in many different activities and clubs throughout her life, including The Alden Club of Franklin and the Trailblazers Walking Club.

Claire held multiple jobs throughout her life, showcasing all of her many skills and talents. Among her favorites were waitressing at Pipinelle's in Franklin, saying "number please!" as a telephone operator, and working for the Franklin Senior Center. She began volunteering at the Senior Center after retiring, and later came out of retirement to officially became part of the team, serving her community for over 20 years as the first face to welcome you as you came through the doors. Her most important job of all was being "Nana" to her seven beloved grandchildren.

Along with celebrating her strong Irish heritage, Claire enjoyed traveling near and far with her girlfriends and family; from Lake Pearl to Ireland, and Old Orchard Beach to Disney, she always made sure to have fun and bring joy to wherever she went. She especially loved her trips to Dennisport Beach (Little Franklin) with with her sister, Arlene. When she was home, Claire enjoyed embroidery and crafting, hosting holidays and family parties, and spending time surrounded by loved ones and her precious cat Nellie Kelly.

Claire is survived by her three sons, Albert G. Lewis and his wife Diana, Daniel J. Lewis and his wife Tammy, and Steven E. Lewis and his wife Nina, all of Franklin; seven grandchildren, Brenna, Kendall, Maxwell, Brody, Stevie Jane, Zachary, and Casey Lewis all of Franklin; her brother Henry Bardol and his wife Barbara of Reading; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings John "Jackie" Bardol, George Bardol, and Arlene (Bardol) Watson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Saturday July 18th, at 9am from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass at 10am in St. Mary's Parish, 1 Church Square Franklin, MA. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org 

Internment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Franklin.

Calling hours are Friday July 17 from 4pm to 7pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to honorflightnewengland.org 

Guestbook/directions www.franklinfuneral.com