Claire Hawkins Seaquist, born on May 21, 1940, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Saturday, January 13, 2024, after a brief illness with cancer. A beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and friend, Claire approached her illness with the same level of grace and dignity that defined her entire life. Her infectious laughter and unwavering positivity were constants, bringing joy to each day and uncovering silver linings in every situation. Her smile, her genuine interest in others, and her deep and profound love of her family were constants that she shared always.

Claire was born and raised in Rochester, New York, with her parents, Ruth and Warren Hawkins and her beloved older sister, Allie. Nestled within the embrace of strong family ties, both she and Allie experienced a childhood enriched by the love and companionship of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Together, they shared the tapestry of day-to-day life, marked by cherished traditions such as annual summer camping trips to the secluded family Buell Island and Remi Lake in Canada, as well as visits to her grandmother Weeda's cottage on the lake in New York. Claire’s educational journey took her from Dobbs Ferry, with her dear cousin Mickey, to Skidmore College where she earned her degree in psychology. In 1959, while working on the picturesque island of Nantucket, fate led her to meet the love of her life, Richard Arnold Seaquist. Soon thereafter, in 1962, Claire and Arnie married and built a beautiful life together, embracing each chapter of their lives to create lasting memories, with Nantucket always a constant backdrop to their time together.

Claire and Arnie raised their three daughters, Karen, Christine and Lynn in Devon, Pennsylvania, crafting a childhood for their girls that was filled with happiness, richness, boundless love, and of course, summer vacations on Nantucket. From spirited swimming and tennis days to warm family dinners and backyard adventures, Claire and Arnie wholeheartedly prioritized their roles as parents. In 1985, Claire and Arnie returned to Nantucket Island as full-time residents, further deepening the enchantment of their life’s journey. The island, with its beauty and tranquility, held a special place in their hearts, weaving the next chapter of their lives with the blessings of deep friendships and their close-knit family. Claire, with her nurturing presence, wove a tapestry of love in actively shaping the lives of her six grandchildren who also grew up in Nantucket and neighboring Hingham. She helped instill in them her values of acceptance, grace, and sensitivity towards others, while loving them deeply. Each of Claire’s cherished grandchildren, Robin, Christopher, Nicole, Cameron, Alexander and Tristan, occupied a significant place in her heart, and she overflowed with great joy in having shared her life with them.

As we hold Claire in our hearts, we celebrate a life lived with love, gracious dignity, laughter and an enduring spirit. Claire’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, dear friends near and far, and all who were touched by her extraordinary grace and kindness.

A celebration of Claire Hawkins Seaquist’s beautiful life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Nantucket on February 10 at 2:00 PM. May she rest in peace with her beloved Lynn who passed away a few weeks prior to her sweetest mother, Claire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Claire’s memory to the First Congregational Church of Nantucket, a place that was very near and dear to Claire’s heart.