Clara Mary Buchalski, 92, formerly of Lake Township, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007 in Phoenix, Ariz., where she resided the last two years. She was born April 5, 1915 in Detroit, daughter of the late Joseph and Stephania Sosnowski.
She was married to Theodore (Ted) Buchalski May 2, 1936. Ted preceded her in death in 2000 after 63 years of marriage.
Clara and Ted operated a tavern in Detroit for 30 years before their retirement in 1977 when they moved to Caseville. Clara spent 28 years as a resident of Lake Township and 20 years as a part-time summer resident prior to that. She was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog.
Clara is survived by her children, Patricia (Robert T.) Smith of Caseville, Dennis (Judy) Buchalski of Stevensville, Sandra (Thomas) Ward of Grand Haven, David (Eileen) Buchalski of Sterling Heights, and Paula (Gerald) Ballard of Phoenix; grandchildren Kris, Steve, Jeff (Marcy) and Robyn Smith, Ellen (John) Hayes, Michael Buchalski, Lewis Szymanski, Ryan (Paula) Buchalski, Heather (David) Perry, Jason (Heidi) Chance and Chelsea Ballard; step-granddaughters, Dawn Ballard, Marie (Larry) Simich, Torre (Scott) Walper, and Kristen (Bret) Laitila; eight great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; brother, Edward Sosnowski of Avoca; and sister, Theresa (Thomas) Krause of Menominee. She was preceded in death by sisters, Rosalyn Chrzanowski and Eleanor Chmielewski.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, 2007 at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. Burial will be in St. Roch Cemetery.
Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville. Condolences may be shared at www.cfcCaseville.com.
