Photo: State Representative Steven Xiarhos
WEST BARNSTABLE – The community gathered at the 1717 Meetinghouse in West Barnstable Friday evening for a prayer vigil for Clare Fearon, the 76-year-old woman who has been missing since November 5.
The gathering brought together family members, friends, neighbors and community leaders to offer prayers for Fearon’s safe return and support for her family as the search enters its second week.
State Representative Steven Xiarhos attended the vigil and shared a message on social media thanking those who organized the event and those who participated.
Xiarhos described Fearon as a beloved mother, grandmother, family member and friend whose disappearance has deeply affected the West Barnstable community.
During the gathering, Pastor Reed Baer offered prayers for Fearon and her family, reminding those attending that she is “Someone whose life matters. Someone who is loved.”
Xiarhos also recognized Associate Pastor Christie Burns, Ed Jay and the West Barnstable Civic Association, Town Councilor Kris Clark, Paula King and the 1717 Meetinghouse Foundation for helping organize the vigil.
Photo courtesy: State Representative Steven Xiarhos
Attendees lit candles and offered prayers for Fearon, her family and the police officers, firefighters, search teams and volunteers who have spent days working to locate her.
The vigil came one day after Barnstable Police announced that the extensive search for Fearon was transitioning from large-scale ground operations to a more targeted investigative approach.
Fearon, who suffers from dementia, was reported missing on Thursday, November 5, after leaving her West Barnstable home for a walk at approximately 10 a.m.
Police said she had visited Barnstable Market earlier that morning before returning home. Surveillance footage showed her wearing a long-sleeve blue shirt, black pants and black shoes.
Since her disappearance, an extensive multi-agency search has covered more than 1,900 acres of wooded terrain, with additional areas searched using drones and aircraft. Search operations have included K9 teams, ATVs, watercraft and personnel from numerous local, county and state public safety agencies.
On Thursday, Barnstable Police emphasized that the transition to a more targeted investigation does not mean authorities are abandoning the effort to find Fearon.
Detectives are continuing to review leads, evaluate new information and follow up on tips from the public. Police said additional search resources can be deployed if new information warrants further operations.
Authorities have also said that there is no evidence suggesting Fearon’s disappearance is suspicious and no indication of a threat to the public.
Police continue to ask residents and businesses to review security cameras, doorbell cameras and other recordings that may provide clues about Fearon’s movements on November 5.
Anyone with information about Fearon’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Barnstable Police Department at 508-778-3874.
The Fearon family has requested privacy as the investigation continues.
(Information from vigil provided by State Representative Steven Xiarhos)
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