Clara M. Paquette

Clara M.Paquette, 98, of Plainview, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center. Born in Queens, NY on June 24, 1925, Clara was the eldest of 4 children of Savario (Sam) and Mary (Giancola) Laricchiuta. Clara grew up on 13th Street in Queens, NY, where she received honors from PS 4 High School. After High School, Clara immediately began working at a toy company. She met her beloved husband, John Paquette, in Astoria, NY, and the two were married on October 10, 1943 at St. Rita’s Roman Catholic Church in Long Island City, NY.

Clara enjoyed working with children and spent 29 years as a matron for WE Transport, Inc., assisting disabled children and entertaining them as they rode the bus to school and back.

She was an avid gardener, always beautifully landscaping her home, traveling, and camping with her family. She loved cooking her favorite pasta dishes, and enjoyed company with her relatives and friends.

Clara was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, John; as well as her parents and brothers, Jerry and Anthony, sister Mary Ann and grandson Michael Kenny. Survivors include Clara’s loving daughter, Janet Kenny of Sea Cliff and loving son John Paquette (Nancy Bakowski) of Bowie, MD. Clara is also survived by her granddaughters, Meredith Deinema (Ty) and Jocelyn Paquette; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her family welcomes family and friends on Thursday, October 5, from 4 to 8 pm at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, 125 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on October 6 at 10 am at Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church in Hicksville, NY. Interment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park cemetery in Farmingdale.

Clara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all Section 2B staff at St. Catherine’s of Siena Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center who so lovingly and conscientiously cared for her. In lieu of flowers, Clara’s life may be honored by donating to St. Catherine of Siena Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VernonCWagnerFuneralHome.com for the Paquette family.

The staff of Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes would like to thank you for the honor and privilege of serving your family and with our most sincere condolences and continued support to you. ~ Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, 125 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville, New York. Your Feedback is important. Our goal is to provide exceptional and meaningful service to every family we have the honor to serve. We invite you to leave your feedback online to help other families make an informed decision during their time of need. Find us on Google, Yelp or Facebook to share your experience.