Christine Catherine Clapes died peacefully on February 12, 2013 at St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull, CT. Mrs. Clapes was born in Stamford, CT to Lorenzo and Rose Pagliaro on December 4, 1919. She was 93, and a lifelong resident of Stamford. The wife of former Stamford Mayor, Louis A. Clapes, Christine served as Stamford's First Lady during the Mayor's eight year term from 1975 to 1983. Well known and regarded in the community, Mrs. Clapes was active in many community organizations including the Stamford Woman's Club, the Stamford Women's Republican Club, the United Cerebral Palsy Association, local arts organizations and charitable organizations. An artist, Mrs. Clapes painted in oils and delighted in giving her paintings away. Many of her paintings hang today in the homes of local residents who won them in raffles at local charity fundraising events, or received them as gifts for special occasions. For many years, Mrs. Clapes volunteered at Stamford's Smith House Nursing Facility, teaching a painting class to the residents there. During her years as the City's First Lady, Mrs. Clapes created pen and ink drawings of Stamford's historic buildings, which became the Mayor's Christmas cards each year.
Mrs. Clapes is survived by her five children: Anthony L. Clapes of Honolulu, HI, Rosemary Clapes Raffaele of Sarasota, FL, Lawrence T. Clapes of Sarasota, FL, Louise Clapes Wilson, and William A. Clapes of Atlanta, GA; two daughters-in-laws, Jill Youngchild Clapes and Diane Novello Clapes and a son-in-law, Thomas Wilson; ten grandchildren: Lisa Clapes, Stephanie Clapes, Christine Raffaele Paoletta, Alyssa Raffaele, Amy Raffaele-Stoll, Nicholas Clapes, Alexandra Clapes O'toole, Rebecca Clapes, Spencer Clapes and Carley Clapes, and two great-grandaughters. Mrs. Clapes is also survived by a sister, Columbia Pagliaro Smith. She is predeceased by her brother Pat Page and sister Cesarine (Sis) Pagliaro Lambo.
The family wishes to thank the very special staff at St. Joseph's manor and Solamor Hospice for their wonderful care and kindness, especially the 5th floor nurses and CNAs, who treated our mother with great love and respect.
Leo P. Gallagher & Sons is handling the arrangements for Mrs. Clapes. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, February 18, 2013 from 4pm to 8pm. Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Schyler Avenue, Stamford, CT on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 10:30am.
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