Claire Elaine Williams

On Monday, May 23, 2016 this world lost a treasure when our beloved "Miss Claire" slipped gently from this life into the next. While our hearts are broken, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is at peace and has reunited at last with her beloved husband Chuck and the dear family and friends who have gone before her.
Claire Elaine was born on April 9, 1929 to Mary Agnes (Crawley) and Walter Henry Ayotte in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The fourth of five children, Claire's earliest years were spent in the rural Wisconsin countryside among a strong Irish Catholic family who taught her the virtues of faith, love, honesty and hard work. Virtues she modeled her entire life.
While in elementary school, Claire's family moved to a large rambling house in Winona, where she grew to young adulthood surrounded by the love and energy of a large and extended family. It was here, under the careful guidance of her older sisters, that Claire mastered her renowned culinary skills and honed the sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor for which she was so loved and admired.
Claire graduated from Cathedral High School in June 1947 and was attending The College of St. Theresa when she was introduced by friends to a dashing young man from Chicago by the name of Chuck Williams. In each other they found a deep and abiding love and were married on June 19, 1948 at Saint Thomas Pro Cathedral in Winona.
While husband Chuck managed station operations for KWNO Radio and traveled the roads of SE Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Northern Iowa covering local sporting events, Claire managed the day-to-day operations at home for their family of four. When their youngest was finally enrolled in school full time, Claire eagerly joined a group which was rather novel at the time, that of the "working mother". Her first job was at Cone's Ace Hardware where she managed to charm each and every customer, from the busy and sometimes gruff construction workers, plumbers and electricians to the gentle farmers, weekend do-it-yourselfers, young couples in search of a major appliance and everyone in between!
It wasn't long before Claire was recruited to the campus of Saint Mary's (College) University where she served as Assistant to the Registrar for over 25 years. Claire was and is a beloved member of the SMU family. Students, faculty, staff and alum absolutely adored her. Each person who met her was delighted by her beautiful smile, ready laugh, kind words, warm hugs and willingness to go above and beyond in service to those who sought her assistance and guidance.
In 2006 Claire retired from the University. Those in her inner circle had convinced her that it was time to relax, rest, pick up her hobbies, etc. etc. Well, her stint as a "retiree" lasted just a bit over two weeks before she began looking for her next career opportunity. She began by substituting and volunteering at Bluffview Montessori School and in a short time, was offered an administrative position at the school. "Miss Claire" was once again the cheerful, warm and energetic presence, greeting children, parents, faculty, staff, delivery personnel and the general public behind the front desk and she LOVED it!
Health issues forced Claire's retirement from Bluffview in 2009, but she remained involved and invested in the lives of the many dear friends she made over the years.
Post retirement, Claire's favorite pastimes were hosting family gatherings, attending local school and athletic events with her children and grandchildren, spending time in the kitchen whipping up huge bowls of "Claire's Famous Potato Salad" and loaf after loaf of banana and zucchini bread. She also cataloged and preserved family history and photos, cheered on the Vikings and Twins, loved the sound of Big Band, and enjoyed a good novel or movie mystery.

Claire's children and grandchildren were her very greatest joy on earth! "I love you to the moon and back" was her signature greeting. Our Mom, Grams and Nana had the unique gift of convincing each and every one of us that we alone were her favorite.
After Chuck's passing Claire's family came together to honor her wish to remain at home as she faced the increasing challenges of aging. Words cannot convey the deep gratitude we all have for our sister Patricia and Claire's two very special caregivers, whose love and commitment allowed our family to honor mom's wish. We are all blessed that Claire was able to spend her last years at home, surrounded by family.
Claire is survived by daughters Mary (Paul) Bambenek of Kellogg, MN, Patricia Malay of Winona, MN, and Elizabeth "Betsy" (Steven Reinhart) of Phoenix, AZ; son Thomas (Linda) Williams of Winona, MN and grandchildren, Sean (Stacy Garcia), Caitlin Bambenek (Brian Huegel) Madison Reinhart, Aubrey, Allyssa and Abby Williams. She is also survived by her brother Walter (Barbara Rockwell) Ayotte of Winona, MN as well as numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends and fans! She was preceded in death by her parents, Sisters Patricia Heuel, Louise Tust, Alice Schoenrock, and grandson Joshua Malay.
The family invites you to gather with us in celebration of Claire's remarkable life and love beginning with a visitation on Friday, May 27, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm at St. Thomas More Chapel on the campus of Saint Mary's University. There will be a Christian Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. The family also invites you to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 28, at 10:30 am at St. Thomas More Chapel with Monsignor R. Paul Heiting officiating. Following Mass there will be a reception in the Toner Center Lounge.
In lieu of flowers we cordially suggest that memorials be directed in Claire's name to The Christian Brother's Retirement fund or to an organization or charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to sign the guest book and to share a favorite memory of Claire with the family.
May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.
~John Henry Newman~