Claire Carter turns 100 years old next month. Submitted photo.
Submitted
Claire A. Duval was born March 15th, 1924 to Arsene and Anna Duval. She was the second oldest of seven. She grew up in North Fairhaven, living with her family in the apartmen above the Duval business, Oxford Pharmacy.
After graduating from Sacred Hearts School, she went on to Fairhaven High School where she was a dedicated class officer, spirited and enthusiastic cheerleader and received her senior class superlative for “best looking.” She was affectionately called “Penny” by many.
After high school, Claire met the equally “good looking” Bernard F. Carter. They married and Claire followed Bernard to Paris Island, South Carolina, where he trained as a Navy pilot. Service completed, Claire followed him again to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
After he earned his D.D.S., doctor of dental surgery, they returned to Fairhaven, purchasing their first and only home at 121 Green Street. The closing was on Valentine’s Day, 1953, one month before the birth of their second child. There were five children in all: Mark, Susan, Ann, Meg, and Ned. The large house allowed room for the young doctor’s practice. It remained for three decades. Dr. Carter was well known for his pro bono dental care to the town’s elementary school students.
Unfortunately Dr. Carter passed at the young age of 55 in 1979, one year before the birth of his first grandchlid. With two young children still at home, Claire returned to the work force. Many remember Claire when she was employed at the Fairhaven Savings Bank. All of Claire’s children successfully graduated from Fairahven High and Claire was able to retire to her beloved home.
As she celebrates her 100th birthday in relative good health, still in the beloved home purchased on Valentine’s Day, let’s wish Mrs. Carter many more trips around the sun.
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