Clara Miriam Windle - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Clara Miriam Windle

A light went out of our lives today with the passing of Clara Miriam Pechenik Windle, our wife, mother, Nana, aunt, sister and friend. Clara passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 after a brief illness.

Born on May 7, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Carl Gedeon Pechenik, who immigated to New York City from Austria, and the late Charlotte Peters Pechenik of Cleveland.

Clara’s 94 years were full ones, spent with her husband of 70 years, Kenneth Craven Windle of Yorkshire England, and their sons, who with their families never lived more than a few miles from her. Ken, a British Merchant Marine, swept her off her feet in Brooklyn, New York as WWII was ending. They married in 1945 and lived in Brooklyn for many years. Her loving husband, Ken, took her many places over the years, including five cruises and two trips across the United States. Their favorite place, however, was Newark, Delaware where they have lived since 1965. Clara often said that Newark was a great place to live because it was so close to everything, but had a country feel.

While in Brooklyn, she attended and graduated from Girls High School. Clara’s earliest job was as a bookkeeper for Tom’s Auto in Brooklyn for more than fifteen years. She later worked from 1978 until 1986 as a secretary with the University of Delaware Acadmic Computing Services. More important to her were her jobs as wife, mother and grandmother, where she put every ounce of her energy into knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, cooking, baking and conversing.

She could talk with anyone, and rarely met a person that she didn’t like. Some of her happiest days were spent at the Nottingham Green Swim Club, where she sat and chatted with her friends for the past 50 years. Strong in her faith, Clara was a member of Head of Christiana Church for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Benjamin Buddy Pechenik and his wife, Althea.

Many people were touched by Clara, but those family members who will miss her the most include her husband and soulmate, Ken; her sons, Richard Windle (LuAnn) and Derek Windle (Liz); sister, Joni Cappell (Harry); grandchildren, Ryan Windle (Tricia), Steven Riess (Bridgette), Michael Riess (Danielle), Diana Riess, Anna Windle and Nathan Windle; great-grandchildren, Zachary Windle, Ashlee Windle and Taylor Riess; her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as many dear friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Clara’s life will be held at 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2015 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home of Newark, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where friends may visit with her family from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. Entombment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Condolences

Leave your condolences

Condolences will be posted within 24 hours pending approval.

6 Condolences for Clara Miriam Windle

  • We at acme will surely miss Clara greatly ken our prayers and thoughts are with you you have been blessed to have such a long and loving marriage.
    Beth Howell
    Acme suburban plaza Newark de

  • Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Be assured she is now in a better place.

    Sincerely,

    Kemp Windhorst

  • Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Be assured that she is in a much better place. You will always have your memories to comfort you.

  • Rich and LuAnn,
    We are so sorry for your loss. A mother holds a special place in your heart forever. Know that we are thinking of you.

    Love,
    Niles and Sue

  • Ken and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your lives. We hope that you will soon find comfort and strength in the numerous memories you have of your beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Nancy (Richter) and Ken Flacc

  • Dear Derek, Richard, Liz, LuAnn, my dearest Uncle Ken and the rest of my U.S. family.

    I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of a wonderful, wonderful lady, my dear Aunty Clara.

    My most treasured memories result from having spent time with Aunty Clara and Uncle Ken. Two of the most kind, loving and beautiful people I have ever met and feel completely blessed to be able to call them my uncle and aunt.

    I am positive Aunty Clara has touched many lives and know that the world is certainly a little worse without her here but hope that the care and love of you all provides strength, comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.

    God bless you all.
    Lots of love
    Jeremy
    (+ James & Donna Marie)