Claire Frances Petronis

Claire (Litchfield) Petronis, 92, of Floral Park, NY passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2025, with her daughter Kathleen by her side. Born in Jamaica, NY to the late Joseph and Marie Irene (Girardin) Litchfield, she lived a life devoted to her Catholic faith, family, and creative endeavors.
The youngest of seven and the last surviving Litchfield sibling, Claire grew up with a fondness for children and dogs. In 1957, she married Longin Petronis (died 1997) and raised three children in Middle Village, NY - Kathleen, Jeannine, and Peter - all of whom survive her. She also leaves behind six grandchildren. She loved terriers, especially the Glen of Imaal breed, and leaves one surviving companion, Murphy.
Claire expressed love through the handmade clothes, quilts and cross-stitch pieces she created over the decades and gifted to family and friends. One of her quilts, made in honor of her sister Irene, was selected to be part of the national touring Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative, bringing awareness to a cause she found meaningful.
She was guided by a strong Catholic faith that influenced every aspect of her life, attending Mass every Sunday and, in her senior years, becoming more active in parish life. She taught Faith Formation classes, preparing children for their First Holy Communion, and participated regularly in Bible study. It seems fitting that she passed away on May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, as she had a special devotion to St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother.
A wake will be held at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, 29 Atlantic Ave, Floral Park, NY 11010, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.
A Catholic Novus Ordo Mass in Latin will be celebrated at Notre Dame RC Church, 5 Mayfair Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, at 10am on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
All who knew and loved her will miss her terribly.