Claire P. Joyal

Claire P. Joyal, 89, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2015 and previously of San Francisco, CA, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at St. Patrick’s Residence on April 2, 2020 with her family by her side.

Claire was born July 31,1930 in Nashua, New Hampshire, the daughter of the late Florence Asselin Joyal and the late Antonio (Tony) J. Joyal, a former Nashua Alderman-at-Large. Her two brothers, Rene E. Joyal and Paul R. Joyal, preceded her in death. She was educated at St. Louis de Gonzague Elementary and High Schools, graduating valedictorian in 1949.

After serving as secretary to the late Nashua Mayor Claude E. Nichols, Claire began her banking career with Indian Head National Bank in 1952. Claire, who spoke French and Spanish, moved to New York City in 1965 as an Executive Secretary for La Banque Continentale. She made San Francisco her home in 1967 and was employed as an Executive/Administrative Assistant by United California Bank, which became First Interstate Bank of California, until 1989. She then joined Pacific Bank until she retired in 1994.

An avid sports fan, Claire also enjoyed theater, ballet, and literature. Claire was a member of the Nashua Actorsingers during their formative years and she instilled the love of theater in her family. Although Claire did indeed leave her heart in San Francisco… she enjoyed her time in Illinois, including bus rides and outings to baseball games, the arboretum, musical plays and to see the holiday lights.

Despite distance, she remained in close contact with her classmates and her family. Survivors include her nieces and nephews and their spouses, Cheryl Lynn M. (and Gary Blankenship) Joyal of Naperville IL, Christopher A. Joyal (and Denise) of Smithsburg MD, Jamieson J. (and Stephanie) Joyal of Manchester NH, Karen G. Joyal of Concord NH, and Scott P. (and Sandra) Joyal of Brookfield CT; four great nieces: Emma Joyal, Kate and Lizzie Weston, and Samantha Joyal-Peña; her sister-in-law, Martha (the late Rene E.) Joyal, as well as a number of cousins.

Services will be private. Claire will be interred at St. Louis de Gonzague Cemetery, Nashua, NH and a remembrance gathering for family will be planned at a later date. A complete obituary is available, and condolences may be left at www.friedrich-jones.com or sent to her niece, Cheryl L. Joyal, c/o Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, IL, (630) 355-0213.