Claire O. Zabecki

Claire O. (Carrier) Zabecki of Worcester, MA, formerly of Holyoke, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Claire was a lifelong resident of Holyoke before moving to central Massachusetts in 2017. Born June 10, 1931, to the late Alfred and Blanche (Bourgeois) Carrier. She attended the former Precious Blood School. While raising her six children took most of her time, Claire also worked at the former Grant’s Department Store, Kmart and Burger King. She also worked for many years at Carrier’s Appliance Service as receptionist and bookkeeper alongside her brothers who owned the business started by their father in 1944. On November 23, 1950 Claire wed Richard Zabecki to whom she was married for 48 years until his death in 1999. Claire would fondly recall how she fell in love with Richard because of how well he danced. They met at the former Golden Eagles Club in Holyoke. Together they had six children. Edward (Patti) of San Angelo, TX, Danny (Barbara) of Viera, FL, Judy Pescetta (Louis) of Ludlow, MA, Stanley of Portsmouth, NH, Carole Jeffcoat (Theodore) of Rutland, MA and Carl of San Angelo, TX. In addition to her six children, Claire leaves 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Her great-grandson Skylar predeceased her. Claire was predeceased by her close companion, Ralph Goudreau of Holyoke who provided Claire with companionship and love for several years becoming an important part of her and her family’s life. Claire also leaves behind two sisters; Jeannette Devine and Joan Malinowski (Mitchell) of South Hadley, her sister-in-law Judith Carrier of South Hadley and her brother Alfred Carrier Jr. (Polly) of Chicopee. She was predeceased by her siblings Simone Pelletier, Lorette Beaulieu, Victor Carrier, Robert Carrier, Dorothy Bushey, Annette Gingras and Roger Carrier. Claire enjoyed time spent with family above all else. She particularly enjoyed time at the beach in Maine, holiday traditions and the annual Carrier picnic and Christmas Party. In her spare time, Claire was an avid sewer, knitter and reader. She was always up for a game of pitch whether it was game night when the children were young or at the Council on Aging where she played with her friends. Claire enjoyed taking and displaying pictures that could be seen all over her apartment. Claire was a strong woman who never let life get the best of her. She strove to instill independence in her daughters and to raise her sons to be gentlemen. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, for calling hours for Claire from 4 – 7 PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Claire’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, beginning at 8:45 AM at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Cross Church, Holy Cross Ave., Holyoke. Committal prayers and burial will follow immediately after the mass at Precious Blood Cemetery in South Hadley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to: Be Like Brit Foundation, 66 Pullman Street, Worcester, MA 01606 or at www.belikebrit.org
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