Claire E. Tomasiewicz

Claire Elinor Mackenzie Tomasiewicz passed away peacefully after complications from pneumonia at Norwalk Hospital Tuesday, April 27th. She was surrounded by her children.

Claire was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 16, 1929, to the late James Sinclair Mackenzie and Anna (Jahn) Mackenzie, and had one sibling, brother Ronald Mackenzie, now deceased.

Claire graduated Lewis High School in 3 years, and was awarded Special Honors for maintaining a high academic average while doing so. She then attended New York University, and attained her degree at Bellevue School of Nursing in 1949. Claire was given a position upon graduation in the Pediatric wing of Bellevue Hospital in New York City.

Claire was married to John A. Tomasiewicz (deceased 1/20/21) for over 70 years, and is survived by her six children; Ann Marie Persico of Venice, FL; John Tomasiewicz and his wife Kate of Milford; Stephen Tomasiewicz and his wife Mary of Newtown; Claire Beth Nogay and her husband Richard of Caldwell, NJ; Ellen Tomasiewcz of Naples, Fl; and Mary Ruth Tomasiewicz and partner Christopher of Old Greenwich. Claire has nine grandchildren: Hilarie Tomasiewicz, Maggie Ferrari (Mike), Annie Palacci (Henri), Stephen Tomasiewicz (Carrie), Lauren Street (Matt), Kim Bunting (Brian), Keith Nogay, Emily Tomasiewicz, and George Persico (Kathryn). Claire has ten great-grandchildren; Luke, Ellie, Henry, Ben, Pierre, Matt, Evie, Philippe, Bryn and Kira.

While John and Claire were raising their family, Claire worked as a nurse in the Obstetrics ward at Bradley Memorial Hospital. When the whole crew moved to Weston, CT in 1965, Claire worked as a private duty nurse as well as a school nurse for Hurlbutt Elementary School and Weston High School. After the last of her brood fledged and went off to college, she joined husband and son John at their company TEC Industries as bookkeeper and apprentice machinist when needed. Along the way, she somehow found the time to join local hiking and garden clubs, as well as a bowling league.

Claire encouraged her children in all their endeavors, making sure they had access to music and dance lessons as well as summer sports camps. Claire and John attended every concert, recital and game they could, even when that meant traveling out of state.

Never one to suffer fools, Claire let it be known what she thought of you or the issues of the day. This was sometimes delightful and usually always provocative. At the same time, her ability to lend a compassionate ear or lessen the anguish of someone was her great strength, no doubt a nursing instinct that was deeply a part of her.

Proud, elegant, funny and fierce; Claire loved animals, trees, the ocean, music and babies. She devoured NYT crossword puzzles and mystery novels (and chocolate). Above all, Claire delighted most in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and devoted her life to her family.

We are so happy she is again with her dear John, our pop, and that they can return to composing the magnificent symphony of their lives, which was left unfinished here on earth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Church, Southington. Burial will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held before the service from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville. Face coverings are required at all times. For online condolences and directions, please visit ww.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.