Claire Pallman Woychowski, a loving and devoted Mother, Mother-In-Law, Grandmother, mentor, and friend to all, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on March 17, 2018. Claire died peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her cherished children and grandchildren.
Born on December 26, 1928 in New Haven, Connecticut, she was the only child of Louise Grohe Pallman and William Pallman, a well-known baker who mastered his trade in his family-owned business in Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1925.
A graduate of Hamden High School in 1946, Claire was a scholarly student who prided herself in never missing a day of school in all her educational years. She was a chemistry scholar and took much pride in her academic work. After graduation, Claire worked for the former New Haven Telephone Company as an assistant supervisor before leaving in 1957 to start a family. Claire was a former member and President of the Montowese Women’s Club in North Haven.
In 1954, Claire married Joseph Charles Woychowski and later moved to North Haven where she gave birth to her three loving children before relocating to Old Lyme, Connecticut. Her husband, Joseph, died on October 30, 2007.
Claire was an avid reader and shared her love for books with others. Her hobbies included birdwatching, gardening, knitting, and cooking delicious German food for her family. She loved hosting family gatherings and always looked forward to celebrating the holidays. She established many wonderful traditions that will continue to bring joy to her family.
Claire was affectionately known as “Claire Bear” at the Bridebrook Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Niantic, Connecticut where she spent many months over the last few years rehabilitating. She was loved by all and was mother to all. She will be forever missed and the wounds to our hearts will always remain.
Claire is survived by her son, Joseph C. Woychowski, Jr., of East Lyme, Connecticut; her daughter, Susan W. Fairbanks, and her husband, Edwin, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut; and a son, William C. Woychowski, and his wife, Tammy, of Simsbury, Connecticut. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and loves of her life Amanda E.P. Fairbanks of Clinton, Connecticut; Kristen L. Woychowski, of Brooklyn, New York; Brian M. Woychowski, of Burlington, VT; Dana Woychowski of Simsbury, Connecticut; Samantha Chasse of Simsbury, Connecticut; and former daughter-in-law, Alina Kyc of Niantic, Connecticut.
The family expresses their extreme gratitude and thanks to all who have helped her on her final journey home, especially her caregivers Allison, Albina, Heather, and Wendy. Also many thanks to the staff at Bridebrook Nursing and Rehabilitation for their kind care. Additional thanks to Masonicare Hospice for their kind and supportive staff during this difficult transition for both Claire and her family.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, March 23rd from 5-7pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 11am in Christ The King Church, McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. Burial will follow in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme. To sign the online guest book visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18