Claire Erikson Tufaro

Sadly we depart with our beloved Mother Claire Erikson Tufaro, beloved daughter of Kathleen Sheppard and Erick Erikson, devoted wife of Joseph and spectacular mother to Douglas, Frank, William and Joseph and sweetest grandmother to Michael and Allison.
She was our star ⭐️ and always elegant. and dignified. My Mother was always beautifully dressed when my Dad arrived home from work as they gave each other a kiss on the cheek and had the table set for dinner. We went to Church every Sunday then visited aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents of whom our Mom was beloved by all.
I never knew but my Mom taught Catechism for 25 years and worked at the St. Patrick’s Outreach for more than 10 years. She was modest to a fault and never told me.
As she didn’t have the opportunity at the time, Mom was determined to finish and earn her High School equivalency degree. With that, Mom went on to be an accountant for all Mid Island department stores. Mom worked part time every Christmas in order to buy us a piano and give us lessons and drove us all over Smithtown, so we could participate in activities. Our Mom and Dad were very proud of each one of our accomplishments such as piano recitals, swimming, gymnastics, Frank’s football and sports, plays etc. Mom basically give us a childhood she never had.
Our Mom and Dad always had company and knew how to prepare and plan for celebrations and honored each one of us by celebrating our Sacramental and life events, Baptisms, Confirmations, birthdays, holidays, my ordination in the Vatican and weddings, united in values, faith and love that knew no bounds. They traveled everywhere we were to visit us, Canada, Colorado, California and Italy. It seemed my Mom and Dad knew how to do everything and did it exceptionally well all of their 71 years of married life.
Our Mom and Dad raised 4 sons Douglas, Frank, William and Joseph and loved their grandchildren Michael and Allison. Our Mother will be forever in our hearts ❤️ until that day we are united again.