Carolyn P. (Piecyk) Tanajes

Carolyn P. Tanajes, 99, of Westview Health Care Center, Killingly, Connecticut, passed away on January 15, 2021. She was born on May 7, 1921 at home in the Phoenixville section of Eastford, Connecticut, the daughter of Victor and Anna (Slowik) Piecyk. 

She attended the one-room Phoenixville school, graduated from Woodstock Academy, and then matriculated at the Willimantic State Teachers College graduating in 1943 to pursue her life-long love of teaching.  During her long career, Carolyn taught in the Eastford, Pomfret, and Putnam school systems retiring in 1979 from Putnam Elementary.  A music lover, she was an accomplished piano player, and often incorporated her talent into school programs, creating elaborate costumes and sets to entertain the school children and parents alike.

She spent her retirement years doing what she loved the most, enjoying her own children and grandchildren.  Her family will always remember her as a selfless individual, always putting others’ needs above her own.

Carolyn was predeceased by her husband, Joseph R. Tanajes, who died in 2008.  She leaves her loving family: daughter Carole Lynn Sheldon (Scott) of Mansfield, daughter Beth Sheldon (Mark) of Eastford, grandson Mark Sheldon, Jr. (Catie) of Ashford, granddaughter Lauren Sheldon (Thomas Brinsko) of Coventry, granddaughter Marybeth Sheldon (David King) of Marlborough, and great grandson Mark Sheldon III of Ashford as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers (Victor, Frank and Carroll) and two sisters (Stella and Frances).

She was a communicant of St. Philip Church in Warrenville, Connecticut.  Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic is handling the arrangements. Visit their website for information on livestream of the services. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with internment at St. Philip Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Philip Apostle Church in Warrenville, CT. To sign an online guestbook visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

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