Claire Turcotte Fortin, 89, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on December 22, 2025. She was a loving mother of four, whose positivity and strength inspired all who knew her. She never complained and was always up for an outing or a game of cards. Claire had a natural elegance, always stylishly dressed with quiet grace.
Claire was born on February 18, 1936, in Manchester, N.H., the daughter of Alpheda and Leo Turcotte. She married the love of her life, Rudolph “Rudy” Fortin, on September 22, 1956, in Manchester.
Claire and Rudy made their home in Claremont, N.H., for several years, where they raised their four children: Gary, Linda, Michele and Randy. In 1972 they moved to Jericho, Vt. Claire worked in the banking industry for many years, retiring from Chittenden Bank in 1999.
After retirement, she devoted much of her time to quilting, painting and entertaining friends at their family home. Claire started a long-arm quilting business, Jericho Quilts. In 2005, Claire and Rudy moved to Colchester, Vt., making it their final home.
In 2013, she went on a trip of a lifetime with her good friend Pam Gagnon, to South Africa. She went on a safari and visited Mozambique and Cape Town.
Claire was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rudy, in 2010, and her son Gary in 2023. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Fortin of Colchester and Michele Goodman of Jeffersonville; her son Randy Fortin and his wife, Christina, of Williston; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dennille and Ryan Richard (Rowan and step-grandchildren McKenzie, Madeline and Michaela), Dusty and Jen Austin (Cameron, Adrien), Emily and Jonah Cantor (Elise), Jessica and Tyson Gillespie (Avery, Kinsey), Katelyn Blades, and Ryan Goodman and his girlfriend, Logan Tallman, and step-grandchildren Olivia and Evan Mead. She is also survived by her sister, Doris Lawrence.
A talented and devoted quilter, Claire expressed her creativity and love through countless handmade pieces, many of which will continue to bring comfort and warmth to her family for generations to come. She will be remembered for her kindness, patience and strength.
In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on January 8, 2026, 11 a.m., at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in South Burlington, Vt., with burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Claire’s memory are invited to donate to Homeward Bound: Addison County’s Humane Society, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.