On December 22, 2016 we lost our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Clare was born on January 8, 1922 in Leominster MA to Alice and Albert Lyonnais. She moved to and grew up in Muskegon MI. She married Lou Belanger on September 11, 1943 and they eventually settled in Grand Rapids. Clare loved people and they loved her. She enjoyed every social gathering, a true “Bon vivant”. Clare was an active woman to the end, golfing until she was 90, and playing in one of her many bridge groups only a week before passing. Mom taught us that making someone welcome at our table was a most important virtue. Clare was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Lucien “Lou”, her brother Raymond and sister Rita and their spouses. She is survived by her children Clare Bolot, Cheryl (Peter) Leidlein, David (Elaine) Belanger, grandchildren Scott Bolot, Matthew (Courtney) and Craig Leidlein, Andrew Belanger and great-grandchildren Hugh and Fiona Leidlein, her brother Francis (Mary Grace), nieces and nephews and dear friends Nancy and Deb. The family expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Spectrum Hospice Care for the loving care that enabled Mom to fully enjoy her final years. A celebration of Clare’s life will take place on Thursday, January 19, 2017, 12:00 noon at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton S.E., Grand Rapids. Msgr. Louis Stasker presiding. The family will meet with friends and relatives one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Clare will be laid to rest next to Lou at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Spectrum Health Hospice Care, 100 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.
