Connie Lee Klapkowski

1939 - 2024

Connie Lee Klapkowski, of Claysville, died peacefully Monday, June 24, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born February 12, 1939, in Wheeling, W.Va., to Martha Mae Johnson Clark and Carter Ray Clark, both deceased. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Kurt Klapkowski (Margaret Murphy) of Camp Hill; her daughter, Kristin Fiori (Brian Gorman) of Pittsburgh; and her grandchildren, Myles and Nora Klapkowski, and Julianna and Katherine Fiori. Connie grew up in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1957 from Canonsburg High School. After high school, she loved working in downtown Pittsburgh for Polachek Insurance. On August 24, 1963, she married Stanley "Stush" Klapkowski in Canonsburg Presbyterian Church. Stan was a 1957 graduate of Canonsburg's rival, Cecil High School. Stan and Connie welcomed Kurt in 1967, and in 1968, they moved to "J.B. Farms" in Claysville. Kristin was born there the following year. Connie never fully embraced country living, and perhaps had real doubts when young Kurt set a neighbor's field on fire while burning trash. However, she adjusted, and the family welcomed an array of domestic pets and strays of all breeds including horses, rabbits, cats and dogs. And in time, she treasured her moments at J.B. Farms with family and friends for over 50 years. Stan and Connie were a great team, and she was the solid rock that the family's successes were built upon. After her beloved Stush passed away in 2015, she insisted on staying at home another seven years, largely supported by her dear friends and neighbors, especially her best friend, Linda Wilkerson. In the mid 1970s, Connie began her 25-year career with the McGuffey School District, first in administration and later in the guidance office, where she took pride working on students' college applications. She was proud to be part of the McGuffey community and was a firm believer in the power of public education as a pathway to improvement. She encouraged all the students, and especially Kurt and Kristin, to try different activities, even if there was a risk of failure, and urged them to expand their horizons whenever possible through interscholastic activities beyond McGuffey. She unflaggingly supported her kids, attending every ball game, band concert and competition, track meet and wrestling match. She did confess to taking a few minor liberties, such as when she replaced an unfortunate first grade picture of Kurt in his permanent record and gave Kristin and her friends more than a few hall passes to hang out in her office. Connie retired in 2000 and relished being a grandma, babysitting whenever asked. She attended sporting events in Camp Hill, even sitting through a dismal rainy November afternoon at Hershey Stadium to see Myles win the state soccer championship. She loved watching Nora and Myles sing in musicals. She shared daily babysitting duties for Julianna and Katie, always having rice krispies and chocolate milk on hand. She adored them all - and they knew it. Connie and Stush were active members of the Claysville United Methodist Church, living their faith through service. They were on various committees, participated in community outreach to the elderly and infirm, with Connie serving as the church secretary for many years. Connie also faithfully supported McGuffey and Pittsburgh sports, especially the Pirates and Steelers. She joyfully recalled the 1960 World Series championship celebration in downtown Pittsburgh when she threw ripped up phone book confetti out of her office windows. During games, she was known to occasionally yell at the TV in "encouragement," startling pets and family. She was superstitious and we all had to maintain our "lucky" seats while watching. Kristin carries on this tradition to this day. Connie remained a sports fan her entire life even during the lean years. Connie loved the challenge of tough crossword puzzles. She would work on the Sunday New York Times puzzle until completion - sometimes for days. She eventually permitted Kurt and Kristin to work the puzzle with her. Figuring out the clues never failed to delight her. Connie also loved playing cards, beginning with couples in the 1960s, ladies' card clubs for decades, and marathon sessions with her sister, Susie. She won big in her last game against the guys at Strabane Trails, where she happily spent her last years, and her brother-in-law, Leo promised to share her Crown Royal bag of nickels with the rest of her poker buddies. In addition to her children and their families, Connie will also be lovingly remembered by her sister, Martha "Susie" McCale of Williamstown, W.Va.; brother, Rick Clark (Kathy) of Claysville; her in-laws, Barbara Mach and Leo Stawiarski, both formerly of Canonsburg; nieces, nephews and many friends and colleagues. Kurt and Kristin want to thank Connie's tireless caretaker, Dana Dix, and her family, for helping her remain independent in her last year and for taking care of her and us in the final days. Connie was not only the steadfast cheerleader to her family and friends, she was the quarterback helping call the plays, the offensive line opening holes for big gains, and the nose tackle anchoring the defensive line when the going got tough. We will miss her guidance, love and support. Private services and a celebration of life will be held on a later date. To honor Connie, she would ask you to vote for and support equality / women's rights. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Connie's honor, to LeMoyne Community Center or Citizens Library in Washington, or to a local charity of one's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com, Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Andrew C. Piatt, director.