Clara Frechette

Clara Frechette, 91 of Willimantic, widow of Simeon Frechette, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born in Salem, Massachusetts, the daughter of James and Paula Mazzarella. Clara was preceded in death by her first husband William J. LaCombe of Danielson and her two sisters, Mary Messier of Wauregan, CT and Marguerite Bonnin of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Clara worked for many years as an electrical parts assembler at Arrow Hart and Hageman where she retired at the age of 62. Clara and Simeon were active members of St. Johns Catholic Church in Plainfield, CT. Their passion for being involved in helping others led them to become caretakers at St John's Church for the next 15 years. They always went above and beyond and not only cleaned but painted, repaired and maintained the church and sanctuary. Clara's recent endeavors included being involved in the "Little Dresses for Africa Project". In her final years she made and donated over 200 dresses to the Project a fact of which she was very proud. Clara enjoyed going out for breakfast and was well known at all the local breakfast nooks. Clara is survived by her daughters, Janet Bessette and her husband Don of Chaplin, CT, Ann-Marie Ellis and her husband Hal of Rangeley, Maine, and Cathy LaCombe and her partner Julie Ulberg of Menomonie, Wisconsin. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Lisa Diaz and her sons Nathan and Matthew Maclure of Windham and Jeffrey Diaz of North Windham. Clara was predeceased by her grandson James Diaz of Willimantic. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed by all. Her family will receive friends and relatives on Friday September 16, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church, Valley St., Willimantic. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Kindlay omit flowers. In her memory, the family requests donations to Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 100 Warren Circle Storrs, CT 06268. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.