Claire Woltersdorf, age 90 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Saturday, September 02, 2023, at Greenwood House, Ewing Township, NJ.

Born on May 13, 1933, in Newark, NJ, daughter of the late Peter and Mary Maciolek Ulesky, she was raised in Irvington, NJ, and had lived in Union and Brick, NJ, prior to moving to Raritan Township one year ago.

A woman of unwavering optimism with a radiant spirit, Claire’s infectious positivity and sunny disposition could brighten even the darkest days. This spirit as well as her athletic ability caught the attention of a young Edwin Woltersdorf, and after being smitten by Cupid’s arrow, the couple would wed on July 7, 1956, at St. Paul’s Church, Irvington, NJ.

Their union would bring them four sons, Kurt, Ken, Keith, and Kevin, who were loved dearly by their parents. Sadly, Keith died in 1964 as an infant. Claire’s tremendous love of babies and children would have her become very involved with the March of Dimes Mother’s March. She tirelessly served as their Chairwoman, dedicating her time to ensuring the success of door-to-door collections within Union County, NJ, during the 1960s. Additionally, she tenderly cared for premature babies at the local hospital through her volunteer work later in life.

Beyond her immediate family, Claire held a special place in her heart for her extended family. Known affectionately as “Aunt Claire,” she loved and nurtured anyone in her sphere, from her nieces and nephew, to the many children she babysat for over her lifetime. Her home was always filled with warmth as well as  her famous baked treats, made with love and care. Family gatherings were always made brighter by her presence, and her signature apple pie made from scratch was always the hit!

A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Maplewood, Claire actively volunteered her time and contributed to the community until she and Ed relocated to Brick in 1994.

A determined competitor in sports, Claire showcased her athleticism in basketball, volleyball, softball, and bowling, proving that size was never a measure of skill. Education held a high priority for Claire, and she made certain that her children excelled academically, engraining the value of knowledge and perseverance within them.

Claire’s creative spirit extended to her knitting and sewing talents, which she happily shared with her daughters-in-law, passing down the skills and the joy of creating something with one’s own hands. Her love knew no bounds, as she actively involved herself in the diverse interests of her sons, from playing catch in the yard to embarking on birdwatching adventures in the woods.

With an unwavering dedication to others, Claire lived a life of love and compassion, consistently exemplifying the values of kindness, empathy, and generosity. She instilled in her children the importance of helping the less fortunate, teaching them that actions speak louder than words.

St. Ignatius of Loyola once wrote, “Love is shown more in deeds than in words”. As we bid farewell to Claire, we celebrate her remarkable life, reminiscing on the cherished memories she leaves behind. In her memory, let us continue her legacy by embracing hope and unity, rising above challenges with grace and resilience, and simply, doing for others with love as our guiding principle.

In addition to her parents and son Keith, Claire was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Ulesky, earlier this year.

Surviving are her husband of sixty-seven years, Edwin Woltersdorf; her sons and daughters-in-law, Kurt and Cathleen Woltersdorf, Kenneth and Karen Woltersdorf, and Kevin Woltersdorf; her grandson, Peter Woltersdorf; her sister Irene Ulesky; several nieces, a nephew, and extended family; and many dear friends. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched. May her gentle soul find eternal rest, and may we continue to be inspired by the love and light she shared with us all

Claire will lie in repose on Friday, September 08, 2023, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli will take place on Saturday, September 09, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Saturday morning at 9:45 a.m., and to follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival.

Interment will be private.

You are encouraged to visit Claire’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the March of Dimes, online by clicking HERE, or to Catholic Charities, via mail to 590 North 7th Street, Newark, NJ 07107, or online by clicking HERE. Your acts of kindness will serve as a testament to the legacy of love and care Claire showed to families and children throughout her life.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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