Clare Cassidy Condon
Clare T. (Cassidy) Condon, a formidable yet sprightly spirit with a zest for life, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2021 after a period of declining health in New Rochelle, NY. She was 96.
Born in Northbridge, MA, Clare was the sixth of seven children born to Mary (Anderson) Cassidy, artist & graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design (formerly known as Massachusetts Normal Art School) and Frank Cassidy, salesman and entrepreneur.
She is predeceased by her son, Jim Condon, formerly of Watertown, MA and her six siblings. She is survived by her former husband, Chris Condon, New Rochelle, NY, daughter Kathleen Condon and her husband Rick Luftglass, Brooklyn, NY, daughter-in-law Susan Robertson, Watertown, MA, daughter Ann Gallagher and her husband Ron May, San Diego, CA and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
She grew up in Uxbridge, MA, and earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in foreign language and education at Clark University. After college, Clare worked as a high school teacher and was a popular folk singer. She hosted her own radio program on WTAG in Worcester, MA, which is where she met her future husband, Chris, in the 1950s.
She loved words, puns, languages, folksongs and cultural traditions. Friends will remember Clare as an accomplished singer and immensely skilled watercolorist. She delighted in teaching French and watercolor classes for children and adults, continuing to teach well into her 80’s.
During her long life, Clare lived in Tulsa, OK, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, DeSoto, MO, Ste. Genevieve, MO, Uxbridge, MA, Gloucester, MA and Charleston, SC. In each location, she participated in community and art organizations.
Like her long-running radio program “A Number of Things” at St. Louis’ KFUO radio station, Clare’s life-long love of learning developed into many interests and accomplishments. She made a singing radio appearance on the Arthur Godfrey show and was once a featured artist on the Missouri AAA Magazine cover (Missouri wildflowers). She sang at numerous community events throughout the St Louis area and performed many times at the Ste. Genevieve Jour de Fête.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Her relatives and friends will gather at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Uxbridge, MA on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 10 AM for her funeral, followed by a reception/celebration of her life. All who knew her are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Clare’s memory may be made to: United Hebrew Geriatric Center, New Rochelle, NY, https://unitedhebrewgeriatric.org To leave a condolence message for her family please visit: www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com