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Clare Gerda Holmgren-Kennedy, 74, died on December 20, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Senator Thomas P. Kennedy, the Love of her Life. Clare was born August 25, 1951 in Brockton, the daughter of the late James H. and Katharine B. (Keane) Holmgren of Brockton. Clare lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and deep connections to her community.
Clare was a lifelong resident of Brockton and graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School and Brockton School of Nursing. Clare devoted her life to the field of nursing, serving as a registered nurse at Brockton Hospital for over three decades. Her unwavering commitment to patient care was especially evident during her many years in the hospital’s emergency room. Known for her steady presence and tireless work ethic, Clare made a lasting impact on countless lives through her service.
Beyond her career, Clare found joy in simple pleasures-traveling to new places and sharing meals with friends and former coworkers. These moments reflected her warm spirit and enduring friendships that enriched her life.
She is survived by her brothers John and his wife Jeanne of Plymouth, Jamie and his wife Cheryl of Brockton; nephews Brett and his wife Kate of Hingham, Neal and his wife Kate of Sandwich; nieces Bobbi Lu of Easton, Cassie and Erin, both of Brockton, grandnieces, grandnephews, and many cousins.
Clare’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who mourn her passing. All are welcome to calling hours Friday December 26th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St. Brockton and her funeral Saturday December 27th from Waitt Funeral Home at 9:30 followed by her funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 439 West St. Brockton. Her burial with her late husband will be held in Maitland, Nova Scotia at a later date. No flowers please. Her family prefers memorial gifts to Thomas P. Kennedy scholarships at either Cardinal Spellman High School or Stonehill College. Please see addresses and online links below.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clare Gerda Holmgren-Kennedy, please visit our floral store.
Cardinal Spellman High School
738 Court St., Brockton MA 02302
Web: http://www.spellman.com
Stonehill College
738 Washington St., Easton MA 02375
Web: http://www.stonehill.edu