It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Clara G. (Corona) Palacio on September 11, 2019. Clara was born in La Habana, Cuba on June 28, 1918. She was the daughter of the late Jose Corona Sr. and Clara G. Ruiz. Clara migrated to the U.S. along with her husband, Nestor Sr., in 1968 with one allowable suitcase while forced to leave to the Cuban government all of their lifelong possessions. Clara and Nestor settled in Hartford and immediately immersed themselves in the community. Clara worked for the Aetna Life & Casualty until her retirement at age 65 and, at that time, she and Nestor, Sr. fulfilled one of their American dreams by becoming homeowners. Clara was a devout catholic and, after her husband’s death in 1991, became a Minister of the Eucharist assisting in giving communion not only at her church, St. Lawrence O’Toole, but to homebound parishioners as well as residents of the Avery Heights Nursing Home where she also served as a volunteer. The Hartford Courant recognized Clara in 1996 for her volunteer service. Clara was also a member of the Association of the Dulce Nombre de Jesus where she actively participated for many years.
Clara is survived by her two children: Gloria R. Cooke of Farmington and Nestor F. Palacio and his wife Bonnie of Tariffville; her grandchildren Bryan Palacio and wife Tracy of Glastonbury, Michelle Palkanikos and husband Stellios of Odessa, FL and Gina White and husband Justin of Manchester; and five great grandchildren. Besides Nestor, Sr. she was predeceased by her parents, brother Jose Corona and son-in-law Robert T. Cooke.
A heartfelt thank you to the Avon Health Center, McLean Hospice Care and Seabury staffs for their compassionate care.
There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 14, at Maria, Reina de la Paz Parish (formerly St. Lawrence O’Toole), 494 New Britain Avenue in Hartford. Burial will follow at Mount Saint Benedict in Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com