Obituary of Loretta Claire Boland

Loretta Claire Boland of Montclair, NJ, beloved member of the Boland family, died Monday afternoon, February 23, 2015. Loretta, who went by “Claire,” was 88 years old. Claire graduated from Caldwell College with a major in math and a minor in English in 1948. In addition, she received a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. Claire taught middle school mathematics in the Belleville public school system, where she served for some time as chairperson of the math department and finished with more than 40 years of service. Her passion for her students, who loved her for her patience and dedicated teaching style, spanned generations. Claire was a long-time resident of Montclair, where she was an active member of the community for over 50 years. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, serving as a Eucharistic minister for the elderly and homebound and served hundreds of hours as a volunteer at Montclair Community Hospital. She was an avid reader, bridge player and world traveler, as well as an expert at The New York Times crossword puzzle. Claire was originally from Dunmore, Pennsylvania. She was part of a loving, extended family that included her sister, Louise and her brother, Edgar, both deceased, as well as her cousin, Anne Boland. Claire was a kind and loving sister, cousin, and aunt to her family and never missed a birthday or family celebration. She is survived by her cousin, Anne Boland of Jackson Heights, New York, her sister-in-law, Mary Boland of Rutherford, NJ, her nephew Daniel Boland of River Edge, NJ, her three nieces, Cathleen Longo of Glenside, PA, Linda Abraham of Great Falls, VA, and Maureen Boland of Wyncote, PA, as well as 11 grand-nieces and nephews. She was a constant positive influence in their lives and will be greatly missed by all of them. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.