Claire Ruth Swanik of East Quogue and Palm City died on March 25. She was 76.
She was born in Brooklyn on June 25, 1948, attended Holy Innocents School and St. Edmund’s High School, and subsequently Woods Secretarial School, before graduating from NYU.
In her early career, she parlayed her love of skiing into a business, Mahogany Ski Tours, with her dear friend MaryAnn Cullen, running trips to upstate New York. She also operated an ice cream shop in Sag Harbor, The Ice Cream Gallery, with her former husband, Jim Swanik, which featured the works of local artists, as well delectable desserts. Much of her career was spent at Suffolk Life Newspapers, starting out in the credit and collections department and rising to executive assistant to the publisher.
She loved horseback riding, and owned several horses through the years.
She actively supported the Guide Dog Foundation, initially as a puppy trainer, and subsequently adopting dogs that were not able to complete the program.
She was very proud of her work to help start and run “The Group,” which provided Christmas to families across Suffolk County who ordinarily would be able to do for themselves, but due to unforeseen circumstances, could not. It was organized on the principal of “There but for the grace of God go I.”
In retirement, she volunteered her time to hospice and other like-minded organizations.
She was the life partner of David J. Willmott Sr. for over 35 years, a guiding light in the lives of his four children and 10 grandchildren, and a beloved friend to many, her family said.
A memorial and burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Southampton on Saturday, May 10.
Staff Writer on May 5, 2025