Claire Jeanine Balaski

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Claire J. Balaski, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025 at her home surrounded by her children. Claire was a kind and beautiful soul who left earth to go home to Heaven after a long illness. Claire was born on September 7, in Connecticut and was the daughter of the late Germaine (Lateur) and Alfred Bruneau.

In the 1990's Claire and her loving husband of 40 years, Joseph left Waterbury to go to Florida to enjoy their retirement and in 2000, Claire made it her permanent home when Joe passed away. In 2007, Claire met Vernon (Bunny) Benson, whom she loved dearly until his passing. They spent many hours burning up the dance floors in the Southwest Florida area.

Claire spent most of her working career at local banks and running the family business, Blake Electric, Inc. as the book keeper. Claire lived an exciting and fascinating life, accomplishing anything that she put her mind to. Her achievements, first and foremost was being a great and wonderful Mother, wife and companion. She was also an oil painter, a small plane pilot, ham radio operator, great camper, avid gardener, excellent cook and enjoyed dancing the night away to her favorite polkas and big bands. Claire was a world traveler, visiting Europe with a special interest in Lourdes, Fatima, Garabendel, Medjagorgie, the Vatican and other places in Europe and Israel many times.

Claire had a great sense of humor and had a quip for any occasion especially when coping with her illness. She was a very devout Catholic and was a communicant of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Blessed Sacrament Churches in Waterbury and St. Andrews Church in Cape Coral, Florida.

Claire leaves behind her two children, Donna and Darryl and his wife, Rebecca and one grandchild, Jaden Balaski. Claire was predeceased by Joe Balaski and Bunny Benson and by her sister, Cecile Rabinko, whom she was very close and her partner in crime spending many nights reminiscing and playing card games. She also leaves behind her three step children, McCray, Darrell and Francis Maria Benson of North Carolina. Claire also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their children.

We would like to thank Compassionate Companions, LLC. and Helene Cristiano for their tenderness, loving care , kindness and prayers they extended to Claire.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at 10:00 am located at 4 West Main Street in Waterbury on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Burial will be at the new St. Francis Cemetery at the family's convenance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Cape Coral, Florida or to the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, MA.