Claire Drew

GLOUCESTER, Mass. – With great sadness, the family of Claire Janssen Drew announce her peaceful passing at the age of 88 in Gloucester, Mass. on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

Claire was a radiant “doer” whose infectious smile, mischievous wit, and inexhaustible vitality lit up every room she entered. She loved hosting friends and family on any occasion at any location – for her it was always “the more the merrier”.

Claire’s legacy is etched in the hearts of many. She is best known for her enduring dedication as a beloved school nurse and passionate health educator in the Gorham Public Schools. Her unwavering commitment to leading a vibrant, healthy life made her an inspirational advocate and role model. In Gorham, Claire spearheaded initiatives to “get the town moving”, offering aerobics classes for school department faculty and students. She also conceived and secured funding for a walking trail near the Narragansett Elementary School, one of the first of its kind in the state, and which, upon her retirement, was named in her honor. Claire was proud to have served as an officer of state and national organizations focused on health education.

Claire also left an indelible mark in the 1970s and 1980s alongside her former husband, David “Dusty” Drew, as the heart and soul behind Camp Wekeela in Hartford. The camp had been closed for over 15 years when Claire and Dusty mortgaged their house, bought the facility, and brought it back to life. At Wekeela, Claire served as co-director, salesperson, camp nurse, occasional head chef, and a surrogate “mother to all” for the 125 spirited campers. Claire thrived amidst the laughter of children and delighted in the antics of the camp’s counselors. Her many roles brought her immense joy, and both she and Dusty’s enduring friendships with staff and campers bear witness to her profound impact on their lives.

Claire was also a fixture at the University of Southern Maine, where for years she spent evenings earning her master’s in Education, and was an active (and loud) supporter of USM athletics and the athletic department, where Dusty served as Baseball Coach, Head Trainer and Instructor. In her hometown of Standish, Claire was a board member of the Watchic Lake Association, and on the team that launched the Kiwanis medical equipment lending program, which has provided free equipment to hundreds over the years.

Music fed Claire’s soul and she sang with many vocal groups throughout her life. She had particularly fond memories of singing in semi-professional choruses that at times performed under the direction of Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa. Ever one to see beauty in her surroundings, Claire was an avid photographer and always enjoyed capturing a beautiful sunset over her beloved Watchic Lake – especially if there were loons calling in the background.

In her later years, Claire embraced the warmth of winters in Stuart, Fla., where she became an integral part of the Miles Grant Country Club community.

Claire’s legacy of caring, vitality, and service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Claire is survived by her son, Thomas Cronin (Patricia); her grandchildren Scott Cronin (Andréane Bolduc) and Melissa McMahon (Conor); and two great-grandchildren, Patrick and Ella McMahon. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Don Drew (Martha), sisters-in-law, Debby Martin (Jimmie), and Lanette Janssen Breault (Ken); and by Janssen and Drew nieces and nephews, who she mentored in their youth and cherished getting to know as adults (she especially enjoyed her recent “wine o’clock” gatherings with niece Jennifer Drew).

Claire was predeceased by Dusty Drew; her son, Timothy Cronin; and her first husband, Charles Cronin.

There are no plans for an immediate service. To read more, see photos, and share your reflections on Claire, we encourage you to visit clairedrew.forevermissed.com