MARLBOROUGH – Sister Claire Rainville, a Sister of St. Anne, known in religion as Sister M. Rose Eugenie, died at the age of 89 at Marie Esther Health Center in this city on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.  She was in her 69 ^th year as a Sister of St. Anne.

She was the daughter of the late Eugene and Blanche (Labonté) Rainville and was one of 6 children.  Born in Easthampton, Massachusetts, she attended and graduated from the former Precious Blood Elementary and High Schools.  She earned a Bachelor's degree in Music from Anna Maria College and did further studies at Boston University and at Boston College.  In 1942, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Anne in Lachine, Quebec and pronounced vows in 1944. From then until 1997, she taught music in Elementary and High schools sponsored by the Sisters of St. Anne in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Cohoes, New York.  Following her teaching career, Sister Claire was assigned to community service as a coordinator of local groups and also as the transportation coordinator at St. Anne Convent in Marlboro. For several years, before retirement, she became a visitor to the elderly in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Sister Claire was predeceased by her three brothers.  In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her sisters, Mrs. (Roland) Lorraine Laprade of Easthampton, Massachusetts and Mrs. (John) Pauline Ripa of Punta Gorda, Florida.

The wake will take place at St. Anne Convent, 720 Boston Post Rd. East, Marlborough, MA on Friday, September 20, from 2-4 pm followed by a prayer service at 4 pm.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 21, at 10 am in the Convent chapel with burial in St. Mary cemetery, Marlborough.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home ( www.CollinsFuneral.com ), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Retirement Fund or to a charity of your choice.