Mary Claire (Monahan) Strandgaard

Mary Claire (Monahan) Strandgaard, 82, of Holden, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus.

Born and raised in New York, Claire moved to Massachusetts in 1969 with her family. The daughter of the late Everett and Mary (Brady) Monahan, she carried throughout her life the warmth, strength, and deep devotion to family that defined her character.

Claire found joy in simple pleasures, a good book, quiet moments, and above all, time spent with those she loved. Her family was the center of her world, and she took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her caring heart, and the love she so freely gave to those around her.

She leaves behind her children, Walter Strandgaard, Jr. of Holden, Laura Thorsen and her husband Gregory of Princeton, and Sandy Strandgaard of Rochdale; her sister, Rita Wright of Red Bank, New Jersey; seven cherished grandchildren, Jennifer, Samantha, Wesley, Alex, Aimee, Jessica, and Charlie; two adored great-grandchildren, Rylie and Nayvee; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter Strandgaard, her brother, Gene Monahan, and her sister, Joan Caruso.