Claire G. Blackwelder, 84, of Carlisle, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2010, in the Carlisle Regional Medical Center. She was born on Wednesday, November 18, 1925, in Woonsocket, RI, a daughter of the late Joseph L. and Florence (Leroux) Gadoury and the widow of Master Chief Petty Officer, Doyt A. Blackwelder, USN, who died July 18, 1997.

Claire retired after 15 years of service with the New Cumberland Army Depot, where she was a Quality Assurance Specialist. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlisle and the Fleet Reserve Assoc. Ladies Auxiliary. Claire enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking, playing Nintendo, card games and the special times with her family.

She is survived by four daughters; Patricia A. Zacek of Columbus, OH, Nancy M. King of Middletown, Judith A. Bitner (and her husband, John Gula) of Camp Hill and Joanne E. (and her husband, Troy) Fritz of Chambersburg, her best friend and companion, Rexford Ganster of Carlisle, two sisters; Stella Provost of Woonsocket and Rita Marceau of Hartford, CT, six grandchildren; Hope Zacek, Dominick Zacek, William King, Matthew (and his wife, Amanda) Bitner, Sara Fritz and Kate Fritz, a great-granddaughter, Madison Bitner and several nieces, nephews and in-laws. Claire was preceded in death by three brothers; Gerald, Maurice and Lionel Gadoury and one sister, Florence Gadoury.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Patrick Shrine Church, Carlisle, with Rev. William C. Forrey as the celebrant. Claire will beburied with her late husband in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 152 E. Pomfret St., Carlisle, PA 17013.