Claire H. Olszko

CLAIRE H. OLSZKO (nee Waselenchuk), born May 11th 1929, passed away at age 95 on Tuesday May 21, 2024. Beloved wife of Joseph. Loving mother of Paul (Joan), Mark (Julie), Michael, Christopher, Nicholas, and Barbara Ross (Michael). Devoted grandmother of Nathan, Kiira, Garth, Shelby, Ardyn, Miles, Evan, Alexander, Kathleen, Seamus, and Lilly. Cherished great-grandmother of William, Maeven, and John H. Dear Daughter of the late Walter and Lillian (nee Svoboda). Dearest sister of Jean Wiegand, Wallace, and Lillian Bultrowicz. Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Claire was born in Cleveland, 5 months before the beginning of the Great Depression. Her first job was working at a local dress shop in the 8th grade. She graduated in the top of her class from South High School in January 1947, after living through the nation's struggles and victories in World War II. After graduation, she began working at the Cleveland Builders Exchange. In 1951, she married Joseph Olszko. Together they raised six children. She returned to work and eventually retired from the United States Secret Service as an investigative assistant in 1996.

Her perseverance, spirit, and work ethic during the many trials of her long life, were an inspiration to all who knew her, especially her children. She took pleasure in the simple things in life- reading, card games, conversation, and friendship. She had a very close bond with her sister Lillian that lasted their entire lives. Her faith always remained a guiding force and source of strength throughout her life.

She took great joy in her family and we are grateful for the many sacrifices she made for us. We will miss her bright presence in our lives.

Family and friends will be received at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065 on Thursday, May 30th, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., with subsequent interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family suggests that donations be made to the UH Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals, Institutional Relations & Development, P.O. Box 94554, Cleveland, OH 44101-4554 or to the American Cancer Society.

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