Claire T. (Paulhus) Natario, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025. Daughter of the late Jules and Anna (Trottier) Paulhus, she was born in Ludlow on April 25, 1932. A graduate of Ludlow High School, Claire worked as a benefits manager at Baystate Medical Center for decades, retiring in 1995. A devout and active communicant of St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Ludlow, Claire was a director of the Heralds of the Lord Choir, a member of the Ladies of St. Anne, the parish Social Committee, and the Meat Pie project. During the holiday season, her house was filled to the brim with bows and other decorations she made for the church. Claire also served as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing Communion to home-bound parishioners.
Claire was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose happiest times were those spent with her family.
Claire is survived by her sons, Thomas Natario (Karen) and Mark Natario (Ann). She also leaves her five beloved grandchildren, Joseph Metcalfe IV (Shazana); Elaina Natario (Eric); Laura Natario (Patrick); Kristen Natario (Jeffrey) and Kara Natario (Bryan), as well as her six great-grandchildren Violet, Willa, Gabriella, Olivia, Theodore, and Juliette. Sadly, she was predeceased by her husband Americo “Doug” Natario in 1986, her daughter Cynthia Whitney in 2015, and her sister Jeannette Kubik in 2013.
Visiting hours for Claire will be Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 9:00-10:30 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall Street, Ludlow, MA, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA. Burial will be In St. Aloysius Cemetery. Donations in Claire’s memory may be made to St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 181 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA 01056.
Dear Natario family, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of dear Aunt Claire. She was always joyful and a delight. I remember fondly the holiday feasts at her and Uncle Doug’s house. May she rest in peace at the side of our Lord.
Tom, Karen, Mark, Ann, Our thoughts are with you, as you and your families are thinking of Claire. She was a kind, smart, and beautiful person who gracefully supported, loved and laughed with her family, extended family and community. She greeted everyone with her warm smile, and had a natural, caring way of listening. Claire, Doug and Cyndi were wonderful people to share the Natario neighborhood with, and I cherish the memories. Robert Natario and family
Our deepest condolences to your family. We are very sorry for your lose and will keep your family in our prayers.
Today we remember a woman who was more than a friend—she was family. She shared a special bond with my mother, and I know they are together again. Her kindness, love, and presence will always remain in our hearts. Rest easy Claire, you are loved and will be missed.
Tom and Karen, Sending my condolences to you and your family for your loss. Claire was a wonderful lady and did so much for our Parish. Everytime I see that beautiful angel she donated to the church, I think fondly of her. I was very happy that I got to know her; she will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs.
Dear Mark and Ann, Tom and Karen and family I will miss my dear friend Claire very much. She was a joy to have in my life and we certainly had much laughter. She is certainly now singing with the angels. Love Pat F
How we all will miss Auntie Claire. I am very glad I had the chance to visit with her when I visited last summer. She touched so many lives, especially her families. I can see her now having a party with Terry Texeira and my mom and Cyndi while watching over all of us. She can say that she had a very good and loving life and all of her family and friends will never forget her. My love and sympathies to Tom and Mark. From Corine and Jack
How Lucky How Lucky we all are to have known this amazing woman Claire T. Natario (Auntie Claire to me) How Lovely to have shared dinners, trips, beaches and parties with this one of a kind. How Long it seems that we all knew her. How very long and yet not near long enough. How Dynamic she was in all of our lives and she will leave a big hole in everyone’s heart. How sad how very very sad, but for today let us remember how Lucky we all are to have had Auntie Claire in our lives. Oh Blessed Spirit we bid you farewell. Love You RIP. Your nephew Michael A Natario
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm
Donations in Claire’s memory may be made to St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 181 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA 01056.
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
Dear Natario family, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of dear Aunt Claire. She was always joyful and a delight. I remember fondly the holiday feasts at her and Uncle Doug’s house. May she rest in peace at the side of our Lord.
Tom, Karen, Mark, Ann, Our thoughts are with you, as you and your families are thinking of Claire. She was a kind, smart, and beautiful person who gracefully supported, loved and laughed with her family, extended family and community. She greeted everyone with her warm smile, and had a natural, caring way of listening. Claire, Doug and Cyndi were wonderful people to share the Natario neighborhood with, and I cherish the memories. Robert Natario and family
Our deepest condolences to your family. We are very sorry for your lose and will keep your family in our prayers.
Today we remember a woman who was more than a friend—she was family. She shared a special bond with my mother, and I know they are together again. Her kindness, love, and presence will always remain in our hearts. Rest easy Claire, you are loved and will be missed.
Tom and Karen, Sending my condolences to you and your family for your loss. Claire was a wonderful lady and did so much for our Parish. Everytime I see that beautiful angel she donated to the church, I think fondly of her. I was very happy that I got to know her; she will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs.
Dear Mark and Ann, Tom and Karen and family I will miss my dear friend Claire very much. She was a joy to have in my life and we certainly had much laughter. She is certainly now singing with the angels. Love Pat F
How we all will miss Auntie Claire. I am very glad I had the chance to visit with her when I visited last summer. She touched so many lives, especially her families. I can see her now having a party with Terry Texeira and my mom and Cyndi while watching over all of us. She can say that she had a very good and loving life and all of her family and friends will never forget her. My love and sympathies to Tom and Mark. From Corine and Jack
How Lucky How Lucky we all are to have known this amazing woman Claire T. Natario (Auntie Claire to me) How Lovely to have shared dinners, trips, beaches and parties with this one of a kind. How Long it seems that we all knew her. How very long and yet not near long enough. How Dynamic she was in all of our lives and she will leave a big hole in everyone’s heart. How sad how very very sad, but for today let us remember how Lucky we all are to have had Auntie Claire in our lives. Oh Blessed Spirit we bid you farewell. Love You RIP. Your nephew Michael A Natario
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.