Claire (Authier) MacDonald died peacefully in Concord, N.H. on July 28, at the age of 83.

Claire was born on February 19, 1937, in Oak Bluffs to Raymond and Cora (Trahan) Authier, and grew up on Martha’s Vineyard in a large family with many aunts, uncles and cousins across the Island. As a child, she loved swimming at the local beaches with her sisters.

She married Kenneth MacDonald (originally of Hessel, Mich.) in 1963, and together they raised three sons. In the early years of their family life, they lived throughout the United States, including in Norfolk, Va., Cape Canaveral, Fla., Kansas City, Mo., Jacksonville, Fla., Pass Christian, Miss., Ponce, P.R., Washington D.C., Rochester, N.Y, Detroit, Mich. and Seattle, Wash. She settled in New London with her family in 1976.

Claire was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister and made the safety, well-being and happiness of her family the central mission of her life. She was a talented cook, always providing hearty home-cooked meals that established the kitchen table as the center of the home and fueled many family conversations and lasting memories.

Claire loved music, playing the violin as a child, the piano for many years of her adult life and teaching beginning piano students for several years. She also enjoyed painting, collecting dolls and knitting, especially any opportunity to knit a sweater for a new grandchild or great-grandchild. Claire was an active volunteer with the New London Hospital Auxiliary for many years and was always the first to lend a hand to neighbors and friends in need.

Claire is predeceased by her parents, Raymond Authier of Hyannis, and Cora (Trahan Authier) Spencer of Bourne, and a sister, Shirley McBroom of Tucson, Ariz.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Kenneth MacDonald, of New London, and three sons, Robert MacDonald (and Susan) of Meredith, N.H., Jonathan MacDonald (and Patricia) of Goffstown, N.H., and Daniel MacDonald (and Lisa) of Mashpee; her sisters, Eileen Suitor of Pflugerville, Texas, Janet Frink of Falmouth and Victoria Peters of West Barnstable; her grandchildren, her great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. in West Part Cemetery, New London. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To sign an online guestbook please visit chadwickfuneralservice.com.