Clara Kulenic, known affectionately as Claire, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 24, 2026. She was a genuinely kind and loving person, beautiful inside and out. She quietly practiced her Christian faith, which was the foundation of her life, and she deeply treasured her family and cherished her friends.

Born in New York City and raised in northern New Jersey, Claire attended Jersey City State College on scholarship and graduated with honors. She began her career as a social studies teacher, sharing her love of learning with her students. She later served as a medical secretary, bringing the same compassion and dedication to her patients and colleagues.

Throughout her life, Claire approached each day with enthusiasm. She cherished opportunities to travel, spend time with family and friends, and serve others. In retirement, she remained active, faithfully visiting her local YMCA, where she enjoyed exercising and sharing laughter and friendship with those around her. She also generously gave her time, volunteering countless hours with many charitable organizations.

Claire spent much of her life in southern Florida, where she built a life filled with love and happy memories with her late husband, Paul Kulenic, dear friends, and many cherished pets. Visits from family were among her greatest joys.

In her later years, Claire moved to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where she was welcomed into the home of her nephew, Dave Dutkowski, his wife, Cathy Clarke, and their family. Claire was deeply grateful for the love, care, and kindness they extended to her. She spent her final days in Myrtle Beach, where she found great comfort in the daily visits from her niece, Kathy Manese, and Kathy’s husband, Jerry, as well as in the compassionate care provided by the devoted staff who looked after her.

Claire is lovingly remembered by her older sister, Janet Dutkowski, whom she adored; her niece, Dana Kulenic Hess, and her husband, Chris Hess; her nephew, Dave Dutkowski, and his wife, Cathy Clarke; her niece, Tammy Garaffa, and her husband, Fred Garaffa; her niece, Carolyn Pennock; her niece, Kathy Manese, and her husband, Jerry Manese; her niece, Maria Durante; as well as her extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Kulenic; her brother-in-law, Peter Kulenic; and her brother-in-law, Stanley Dutkowski.

Claire’s life was marked by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others, and her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration.

A private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, Claire wished that donations be made to a local food pantry of your choice.