Claire Beatrice Dignard

Claire Beatrice Dignard, aged 51, passed away on the 9th of April, 2012 at the VNA Hospice House in Concord, NH after a brief illness. She was born on June 14, 1960 in Berlin, NH. The daughter of Wilfred Aldee Dignard and Pauline (Gagne) Dignard. She was a member of St. Annes of Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin. She was a graduate of Berlin High Schools Class of 1978 and of Becker Junior College with an A.S. degree in Animal Science. She continued her studies at the University of New Hampshire, Durham where she received a Bachelors degree in Art Studies. Claire worked for many years at the Coos County Nursing Home in Berlin as an Activities Aide and was a Certified Resident Coordinator. Prior to that she lived and worked in southern NH where Claire applied her art skills as a professional gallery framer and artist. Claire continued to create, sell and donate her artwork via her business, Water Dog Graphics. She taught art classes at the Currier Museum School and as well as in art therapy classes with the residents. Claire had a lifelong passion for animals and a solid commitment to the Portuguese Water Dog Breed. She was a breeder, exhibitor, trainer, and caring owner for many of these dogs. An Advocate and National Futurity Judge for the breed, she was an active member of, and at times an officer of, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, as well as their Regional Club. She was a master groomer, and enjoyed showing and competing with her dogs, winning many titles and trophies. Claire has spent several decades committed to having her dogs available to the The Georgie Project and their mission of genetic research across multiple generations, and is being conducted by the University of Utah to help identify and treat genetic illnesses common in both humans and dogs. Claires other passion in life was kayaking and nature photography. She spent much of her free time on the waters of Northern NH. She loved sharing these passions with others and introduced many friends to these activities. Claire leaves behind her mother Pauline and a sister Therese P. Dignard both of Berlin, NH; one brother Roger Dignard of New Boston, NH; a nephew Philip Dignard; nieces Marion (Dignard) Friend-Gray and her husband Owen, Anne Dignard, Lorraine Dignard; and a grand-nephew Brahm Friend-Gray. She also leaves behind many treasured and beloved friends and cousins. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her honor to either the Coos County Nursing Homes Resident Activity Fund or can be given to a family member to be sent to the The Georgie Project. Calling hours are Friday evening, April 20th, from 7-9 p.m., and Saturday, April 21st, 9-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, following calling hours, at Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Avenue, Berlin, NH. Interment will be in the St. Kierans Cemetery.