Claire S. (Schachinger) Krause

Claire Adele Schachinger Krause, 90, died peacefully in her sleep on September 1, 2019 at home on her family’s farm in Lebanon, Connecticut, where she lived for 70 years. She was born February 16, 1929 in Willimantic, Connecticut, to the late Fred and Clara (Ulmer) Schachinger.

Claire dedicated her life to her family and to her career as an educator.  She grew up in Queens, New York, where she attended Queens College and Katherine Gibbs School. In 1967 she received a Bachelor of Science degree from Willimantic State College (now ECSU), and in 1971 a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. She began teaching 3rd grade at the Lebanon Elementary School in 1968, and after a short time, founded the program for gifted and talented students: CREST (Creative Resources Enriching Student Talent). Claire directed that program the majority of her 25-year career in the Lebanon school system.

Forever active in the town and church she loved, Claire served as President of the Lebanon Historical Society, and she played the organ and directed the choir at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lebanon. Her interest in family history and genealogy led to her becoming a Charter Founder of the American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island. In addition she co-authored and published a local history of Lebanon titled, Images of America: LEBANON.

Claire’s hospitality made her home a gathering place through the years for family reunions, picnics, and holiday celebrations.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by Harold Krause, her beloved husband of 57 years, and her sister Mildred Schachinger. Claire will be lovingly remembered by her sons Frederick Tyson Krause and his wife Candice of Guilford, CT, and John Krause of Lebanon, CT, her brother Fred Schachinger and his wife Mary of Valley Forge, PA, her sister Carol Schachinger of Falmouth, MA, and grandchildren Kristen Krause Bielewicz, Jordan, Josh, and Halle Krause, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful to Becky Adjapong, who devotedly cared for Claire for the past seven years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Lebanon Elementary School to benefit the Claire Krause Award. Lebanon Elementary School, 479 Exeter Road, Lebanon, CT 06249

Calling hours will be Monday, September 9th 2019 from 6-8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, Connecticut. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 10th 2019 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church 328 Village Hill Rd, Lebanon, CT 06249. Burial will follow at New Lebanon Cemetery. To sign the online guest book please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

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