Kathleen Ellen (Jennings) Claussen

Kathleen Ellen Claussen (Jennings), 76, of Harwinton, CT passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice in Branford CT on Thursday, August 25 th after a valiant battle with
leukemia. She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, David Edward Claussen. Kathy was born in Bridgeport, CT on February 13, 1946, daughter of the late Anne (Woody)
and Fred E. Jennings of Stratford, CT. She loved music and played the clarinet in the high school band. She graduated Bunnell High School in Stratford CT in 1964 and obtained a
teaching degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 1968. She worked as a substitute teacher for a few years in Litchfield County public schools. In the 1980’s, she
went to work for Connecticut Bank and Trust which is now Bank of America. She advanced through many roles within the bank, ultimately becoming a branch manager. After
retirement from banking, Kathy returned part-time as a para-professional teacher at the Black Rock School in Thomaston CT working with children with autism.
Family was at the center of Kathy’s life, and she treasured the time she spent with her extended family and grandchildren. She was a good friend to all who met her, and she was
very welcoming to new neighbors on her street. She was a very friendly woman and had a way of making everyone feel special. Kathy was an active member of the Harwinton Congregational Church and loved to help make apple pies for the Harwinton Fair and baking cookies for the church cookie walk. She was an avid gardener and was renowned
for her skill and appreciation for a wide variety of plants and flowers. Her home garden was featured in a garden tour hosted by her church in the summer of 2021. She loved to read
books of all kinds and would always get a good book on CD to listen to on long drives. She had a wide group of good friends that would meet weekly for lunch and another group that
met for breakfast. Kathy was known for having collections of favorite things like her Byer’s Carolers, antique food tins, baskets, and plants.
Kathy leaves a son, Brian Claussen, and his wife Carolyn of Bedford NH, and two grandchildren, Samantha, and Thomas Claussen. She also leaves a daughter, Cindy
Claussen, and her husband Jeff Newton of Torrington CT. She is also survived by her siblings, a sister, Julie Merwin of Wells, ME, and brother, Wayne Jennings of Richmond, VA. She was predeceased by sister Doris Garant of Prescot, AZ. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Gail Santa Maria of Niantic, CT. She leaves behind 8 nieces and nephews as well.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 10th at the Harwinton Congregational Church in Harwinton CT, with light refreshments in the fellowship hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Kathy to the Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Drive Harwinton, CT 06791 online memorials www.phalenfuneral.com.

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