Veronica M. "Ronnie " Clauss Obituary (1944 - 2019)

WAYNE— Veronica M. “Ronnie” Clauss, 74, of Wayne, died peacefully Monday August 19, 2019 in Winthrop. She was born in Manhattan, New York August 26, 1944 the daughter of William and Marie (Tinkhauser) Lalis. Ronnie's family moved from New York to New Jersey in 1958 where she met her future husband Charlie. In 1966 she graduated with honors from William Paterson College in Wayne, New Jersey with a BS degree in K8 education. On November 19, of same year Charlie married his angel on earth Ronnie. Beginning in 1966 Ronnie taught for a few years until the first of her two sons were born in 1968 when she became a stay-at-home mom. When the boys began grade school all day she returned to teaching. In 1991 Ronnie and Charlie moved to Wayne, Maine to be near her parents. She then embarked on a new career. Ronnie acquired certification in library science became an aid, children's librarian and eventually library director. At the time of her retirement in 2005 Ronnie was library director at the Cumston Public Library in Monmouth, Maine. She then became the primary caregiver to her mother who suffered from dementia for many years. In 2013 her mom passed away and soon after Ronnie began to show symptoms of deteriorating health. For the next 5-6 years she was plagued by increasing dementia and loss of physical ability. Through this period she continued to bring joy to all around her with her grace and smile. Ronnie's husband and family wish to express their appreciation to all her many caregivers over her illness including Heritage Rehab and Living Center and MaineGeneral Hospice. Ronnie is survived by her husband, Charles M Clauss; her sons, Craig Clauss and his wife Jill and Brad Clauss and his wife Stephanie ; her granddaughters, Amber, Lauren, Madison,and Olivia. Relatives and friends may visit at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, Wednesday August 28, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Thursday August 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. A celebration of Ronnie's life will be announced (date, time and location) at a later date. Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers consider a contribution in Ronnie's memory to: CUMSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILREN'S AND/OR SENIOR PROGRAMS 796 MAIN ST MONMOUTH ME 04259 or to MAINE GENERAL HOSPICE PO BOX 828 WATERVILLE ME 04903-0828 or to HERITAGE REHAB AND LIVING CENTER LTC ACTIVITIES FUND 157 OLD LEWISTON RD WINTHROP ME 04364-4111 or to Charity of your choice