Claire Primeau Perkins

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Primeau Perkins, who died peacefully in New Port Richey, FL on July 28th, 2025 just 4 days prior to her 89th birthday.

Claire was born on August 1, 1936 to Walter and Martha Matuszewski of Bay City, MI. She spent 18 years as a stay-at-home Mom to her seven children before working in the banking industry for over 20 years. She was loved by her customers- first, at Mid-Michigan Bank in Edenville, MI and later at Barnett Bank (Bank of America) in New Port Richey, FL.

She was a devote Catholic that never met a stranger and welcomed everyone to her table. She would “cook for an Army” and then put more food on your plate while saying “there’s only a little bit left now, finish it up!” No one has EVER left her table hungry. In addition to her passion for cooking and stretching a dollar, she loved to play cards and travel. A trip to Italy with the St Thomas Aquinas choir to perform before the Pope at St Peter’s Basilica being one of the highlights of her life.

She is survived by five of her seven children: Karen Pforr, Bob (Connie) Primeau, Janine (Dave) Rogers, Cathy (Jill) Puharic and Terri Smith. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren – Matt Crawford, Ben Pforr, Melissa (Brian) Chepulis, Sara and Brittany Junk, Matt Rogers, Nicole Dreher, Andrew Puharic and Tori Smith, as well as four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by two of her children (Mary Junk and John Primeau) and one great-grandchild. She is also preceded by the father of her children (Larry Primeau) and her husband Dick Perkins, as well as her parents and all five of her siblings.

There will be a visitation held at Faupel Funeral Home, 7524 Ridge Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34668 on Friday, August 1st from 1:30-3:00pm followed immediately by a service from 3:00-3:30pm for those wishing to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local Hospice Affiliate.

As much as she will be missed by every person she touched, her strong Catholic faith has given her peace and assurance that she will be welcomed into His house with open arms.