Claire E. Pallotta

Claire E. Pallotta, affectionately known to all who loved her as "Ma Bear," passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at The Kaplan Home in Danvers, Massachusetts, at the age of 87. Born on June 25, 1938, in the vibrant heart of Boston's historic North End, Claire's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with unwavering love, family devotion, and the simple joys that make memories last a lifetime.

From her early days in the bustling North End, Claire embodied the spirit of her Italian American roots. She attended Julie Billiart High School, where her bright mind and kind heart began to shine, and later earned her undergraduate degree from Emmanuel College. With a passion for nurturing young minds, she spent many years as a beloved grade-school teacher at St. Mary's Elementary School in her cherished North End neighborhood. There, she inspired countless children with her warmth and wisdom, creating a classroom filled with laughter and learning.


But Claire's heart truly belonged to her family. She retired from teaching to stand by her beloved husband, Mario, as they built and ran M.A. Pallotta Brokerage Co., a produce center in Chelsea, together for over sixty years. Their partnership was more than a business; it was a love story that spanned 61 years of marriage, filled with shared dreams and daily adventures. Together, they called Revere, Saugus, Winthrop, and finally Peabody, Massachusetts, home, creating a haven wherever they went. Claire was always by Mario's side for over 60 years, until his passing on March 17, 2021, a bond that time could never fade.


"Ma Bear" was the heart of her home, where the aroma of her homemade meals drew everyone in. She cherished dinners with Mario, lazy summer days by the pool, splashing grandchildren, dear friends, and those heartfelt daily and weekly chats with her grandkids, who knew her as "Nana," whether they were under her roof or off at college. To her son Kenny's friends, she was the ultimate "Ma Bear," always ready with a hug, a story, or a plate of something delicious. Claire enjoyed traveling and shopping with her loving daughter, Karyn. Her passions were simple yet profound: her family above all, cooking with love, and fostering connections that turned acquaintances into lifelong bonds.


Claire was predeceased by her devoted husband, Mario; her parents, Ralph and Rose DeCristoforo; and her cherished son, Kenneth "Kenny Bear" Pallotta. She leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her daughter, Karyn M. Pallotta, and her fiancé, Walter Beede; her grandchildren, Mario Pallotta of Florida, Cameron, and Synclair; her son-in-law, Matthew McGovern; and several nieces and nephews who adored her. She also held a special place in her heart for her lifelong family friends, Linda and John Anderson, whose unwavering support meant the world to her.


The family extends its deepest gratitude to the Anderson family, John and Linda, for their endless kindness; to Sheila and Richard Cedrone, for their years of personal support and care for Claire after losing her beloved Mario; and to the compassionate staff at The Kaplan Home in Danvers for their care during Claire's final days.


Calling hours will be held at Buonfiglio Funeral Home on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., giving everyone a chance to share stories and celebrate her life. A funeral service will follow at St. Anthony's Church in Revere, Massachusetts, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.


In Claire's memory, may we all gather around the table, share a meal, and hold our loved ones a little closer, just as "Ma Bear" would have wanted.