Claire A. Dando

Claire A. Dando , 84, Girardville passed away peacefully Monday evening at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East, Pottsville.

Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Maurice and Helen Mealey McDonald. She was a member of the former St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Girardville.

Claire was a proprietor of the Sons of Italy, Girardville and also worked as a hairdresser for the McDonald Funeral Home, Girardville. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of Americas Court St. Cecelia, Girardville, the former Cardinal Brennan Ladies Auxiliary, a gold card member of the Borgata, Atlantic City and was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame and the Philadelphia Phillies.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William E. Dando in 2013, her son Stephen Dando, her four brothers: Robert, Francis, Maurice and William McDonald, her two sisters: Rosemary Donlevy and Dorothy Horan.

The last member of her immediate family, Claire is survived by her eight loving children: Claire Salukas, wife of Josie, Girardville; William (B) Dando, Harrisburg; Tim Dando and wife Jean, Frackville; Jack Dando, Girardville; Cathy Dyszel, Girardville; Patty Gregas, Girardville; Sandy Selgrade, wife of Todd, Girardville; Michael Dando, Hershey; sister-in-law Janet McDonald, Girardville; 22 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville with Rev. Paul Rothermel, pastor, as the celebrant. Friends may call on Thursday evening at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday morning from 8:30 until 9 a.m. Interment will be held in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made, in Claire's name to the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association at 500 University Drive PO Box 850 Hershey, PA 17033