Clare Sobiesk

Clare Sobiesk, 84, of Winona, died peacefully with her family at her side at the Winona Health Hospital on December 10, 2022. Clare was the daughter of Joseph A. Walsh and Bertille (McEvoy) Walsh, the second of nine children. Clare grew up in Chicago, IL.  She graduated from Trinity High School in nearby River Forest, IL, and from Mundelein College in Chicago.

Clare began her teaching career in the Catholic school system in Chicago. She next taught at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, MO (the school was founded in 1818 by Philippine Duchesne who was destined to become a canonized saint in the Catholic Church). In 1960, Clare met Norm Sobiesk. They married the following year at Ascension Church in Oak Park, IL. Soon after the wedding Clare and Norm moved to Lawrence, KS, where Norm was completing his graduate studies. While Norm attended classes, Clare taught in a two-room schoolhouse at nearby Big Springs, KS. Clare taught grades 1 through 4, while the other teacher taught 5 through 8. In the following year, as Norm continued his studies, the couple moved to New York City, NY, and then to Madison, WI. In 1965, they moved to Winona, MN, and have lived here ever since.

Norm and Clare were blessed with 8 children. As time passed and the couple looked back, they both thought that these were the best and most exciting years of their lives (maybe not so much at the time). With the years moving along, Clare and Norm were graced with 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In time, Clare resumed her teaching career at Cathedral School where she taught for the next 18 years.

Clare’s whole life centered around her love for God. This love carried over to her love for her husband, family, brothers and sisters, students, and really everyone she met and came to know. Clare was easily recognized by her smile, her friendly warmth, and her love of teaching. Clare and Norm could often be found on walks around Winona, never tiring of the natural beauty of the town and its people. Nothing pleased Clare more than reading and playing board games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. For years the sound of dice cracking across the kitchen table and Grandma’s enthusiastic voice yelling out “Yahtzee” or “Bunco” for the winner resounded throughout the house.

Many of Clare’s volunteer activities revolved around Cathedral church. She assisted as lector, sacristan, Eucharistic minister, CCD teacher, and in many other ways. For years Clare brought Communion to the homes of seniors and the sick. In their retirement years, Clare and Norm enjoyed traveling. They toured the Holy Land to see the sights where Jesus walked. They enjoyed trips to several countries in Europe, including a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes.

Clare and Norm were married for over 61 years.

Clare was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bertille, and by her two brothers, Joseph and Kevin. She is survived by her husband Norm and by her 8 children, 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren:  Edward (Carol) of Cornwall, NY (Matthew and Lizzy); Maggie Owens of Sioux Falls, SD (Julia (Killian and Aria)); Mari (Tulio) Cedillo of Forest, VA (David, Ana, Jandrito, and Clara); Michael (Jane) Sobieski of Fernandina Beach, FL (Alek and Michael); Philip (Rene) Sobiesk of Rochester, MN (Rachel and John); Teresa Sobiesk of Colorado Springs, CO (Philip, Maria, Greta, Oliver, and Eli); Annie Sobiesk of Flemington, NJ (Samantha and Peter); and Jennifer (Colin Wexler) Sobiesk of Evanston, IL (Asher, Solomon, Ari, and Talia), her sisters Bee, Joanne, Kathleen, and Sheila, and brothers Patrick and Denis.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 6 PM, with a time of sharing at 5:45 PM, on Friday, December 16, 2022, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona.  Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.  The Very Reverend Mark C. McNea will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona. Following the interment, you are welcome to join Clare’s family in Holy Family Hall of the Cathedral for a reception honoring her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Cotter Schools - donations can be made at www.cotterschools.kindful.com.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Clare’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.