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In memory of

Claire Margaret Leydon

Madison, WI

May 28, 1949 - December 30, 2025

May 28, 1949 - Dec 30, 2025

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Dementia Matters Fund at the University of Wisconsin (Fund #112580485).

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Claire Margaret Leydon (Verrier)

May 28, 1949 – Dec 30, 2025

MADISON, WI – Claire Margaret Leydon (née Verrier), 76, passed away peacefully in Madison, Wisconsin from Alzheimer’s disease. Even as her memory faded, Claire’s core spirit—defined by laughter, adventure, and a deep love for her family—remained.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1949, Claire was a proud graduate of North Cambridge Catholic High School. It was there that she forged the foundational bonds of her life, maintaining cherished, lifelong friendships with Michael and Marilyn Herrick, Ann Logue, and Sheila Molinari.

After graduating from Boston College’s Education program, Claire began her teaching career at Cambridge Rindge and Latin before moving to Stoneham to start her family. She eventually found her professional home at Shawsheen Regional Vocational High School. For 27 years, Claire was a dedicated educator and a beloved member of the Shawsheen community, where she shared many years of friendship and work alongside her dear friend, Ruth Corbett.

Claire was a woman of adventure who treasured her many ski and golf trips, as well as international vacations with her colleagues and her sons. Whether exploring Europe, Africa, or South America, she was always ready for the next horizon.

Locally, she was famous for a unique piece of Cambridge history: as a child she was the owner of the last horse in the city, Vicky. Her childhood memories of her father Gerard and Vicky remained a source of comfort throughout her final years.

Claire found great joy in life's simple pleasures: a day on the golf course, a movie at the theater, or cheering on the Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots.

Above all else, she was happiest in the company of those she loved, especially if that involved a road trip with music.

Claire is survived by her devoted sons, George Leydon III and his wife Charlotte, and Nicholas Leydon and his wife Stephanie. She was the proud grandmother of three grandchildren and leaves behind a wide circle of friends and former students.

Gratitude: Claire’s family is profoundly grateful to the many caregivers who became extended family over the years. Special thanks go to Dr. Nishizawa and the GHC team, the staff at Oak Park Place Nakoma who provided six years of dedicated care, and the Agrace nurses for their gentle support at the end of Claire’s journey. Their unwavering compassion brought light to the most difficult of days.

Services: In accordance with Claire’s wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of her life in Massachusetts is being planned for 2026, where friends and family can gather to share the stories she loved so much.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Dementia Matters Fund at the University of Wisconsin (Fund #112580485) https://secure.supportuw.org/…