Claire Rangnow

Life Legacy

WEST BOYLSTON - Claire Rangnow, 95, a resident of the Briarwood community and formerly of Portsmouth, NH, died peacefully at home on Sunday, December 13, 2015.  She was born in Philadelphia, PA, a daughter of the late Adolph and Carolyn (Hasenfus) Rangnow.   Claire began a 27-year career as a service club director for the United States Air Force during the Korean War, bunking with MASH unit nurses in combat areas.  She subsequently was stationed at airbases throughout the world, including her last assignment at Pease AFB in Portsmouth.  In an earlier career, she taught speech and drama at the Walnut Hill School for Girls in Newton and at the Weston College for Women in Ohio.   As a 30-year Portsmouth resident, Claire was an active volunteer at several area organizations, spending many hours as a docent at local historical homes and serving as a member and president of the Strawbery Banke Museum.  Claire relocated to the Worcester, MA, area to be near family several years ago.  She was very involved with Briarwood’s in-house TV program that featured interviews with residents.  Claire was a masters bridge player and a skilled craftsperson, hooking over 200 rugs.   Among her survivors, Claire leaves her brother, William Rangnow of Orleans, MA, as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister, Grace A. Gray.   A private service will be held at Newton Cemetery, Newton, MA, on January 4, 2016.  Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Briarwood Fund, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606.