Claire Normand Orr

Claire Orr was born in Lake Linden on September 15, 1921, the youngest child of Aime and Clarice (Piche) Normand. She graduated from Lake Linden High School.

On February 11, 1949, Claire married Frederick G. Orr. He preceded her in death in 1989.

For many years following her marriage, Claire worked as a bookkeeper and clerk at several area retail stores.

In the 1960s, she and her husband purchased and operated The People’s Movie Theatre in Laurium and, later on, they managed The Calumet Theatre. In 1970, Fred and Claire purchased Tebor’s Party Store in Laurium.

Over the years, Claire dispensed penny candy and love to generations of neighborhood children. She offered her direct and uncensored opinions, including her analysis of the ups and downs of her beloved Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers to any and all who lingered to chat.

Following her husband’s death, Claire ran the store by herself, seven days a week, 10 hours a day, until she closed the store and retired in 2002.

During her years of work at the theaters and the store, Claire was often a mentor and confidante to many of her employees and customers alike.

Claire’s fierce commitment to her family and her energy, tenacity and courageous spirit will be forever treasured by her children, whom she loved unconditionally, Fredric and Tina Orr of Laurium, Mary and William Bausano of Oxford, Ohio, Barbara and Don Bausano of Laurium; by her grandchildren who gave her such joy, Christopher (Maggie) Bausano, Caitlin Bausano (Matt Williams), Jacob (Lauren) Bausano, Michael (Lauren) Bausano, Eric Bausano (Theresa DeForge), Darren Bausano (Danielle Benson), and Katherine Orr; step-grandchildren, Krysta and Mike; by her six great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren whose antics made her laugh, Theo, Claire, Marylin, Ellie, Jonah and Will, as well as Dreydan and Dima; and by a loving network of extended “family” that included Sally Druskovich Orr, Ann King Lishinski, Val Teddy; and many nieces, nephews and friends of all ages.

The family will receive visitors at the Erickson-Crowley funeral home on Friday, September 2, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 8 ;p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Calumet with Father Abraham Mupparathara to officiate.

Internment of ashes to be held privately at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.

The family expresses its gratitude to the staff of Aspirus Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice, Dr. Thomas McConnon and the staff of Omega House for easing Claire’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, 49931 or to Aspirus Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice, 311 6th Street, Calumet, 49913.

Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson .com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.