Claire C. COUTURE

Claire C. (Couture) Leahy of Melrose died Thursday at the Caritas Norwood Hospital. She was 79. Born and raised in Arlington, she graduated from Arlington High School and attended Boston University's School of Business. Mrs. Leahy worked for an insurance company in Boston before marryingin 1949. Five years later they moved to Melrose, where she worked for Melrose Savings Bank. She is survived by her husband, John S.; eight children, Michael J. of Raynham, Maureen C. Callan of Bridgewater, Robert G. of Ashburnham, Nancy J. of Maine, Daniel J. of Leominster, Kevin E. of California, Judith M. Koller of Switzerland, David J. of Melrose and Anne M. of Maine; a sister, Jeanne Westcott of Connecticut; 21 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m.Wednesday in St. Mary's Church, Melrose. Burial will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Arrangements by the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose.