Mildred L. "Millie" (LaClaire) Wowk

Mildred L. "Millie" (LaClaire) Wowk, 96, of North Smithfield, passed away peacefully January 24, 2025 in her home. She was the wife of the late John Wowk, whom she married August 11, 1951. Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of the late William and Carrie (Hall) LaClaire. She moved to Slatersville in the 1930s.

Millie graduated from Kendall-Dean School in 1941, and was a 1945 graduate of Woonsocket High School. She was an amazing student, and returned to school when her children were grown, graduating Summa Cum Laude from CCRI in 1985, and going on to earn her Bachelors Degree in business from Bryant University in 1991, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

One month after her graduation, she retired from New England Telephone, to spend time traveling with her only love John. He and Millie traveled across the US twice, and would spend several months in Florida each winter. They camped all over New England, but found their home at Fisherman's Memorial State Park, Narragansett.

Millie was an active member of Slatersville Congregational Church and its choir, of which she was a member from ages 12 to 95. She served on many church committees, was an officer in the Ladies Parish Guild, and chaired the candy table at the annual church bazaar. Millie loved to sing and could be found with the Interfaith Choir in Woonsocket, the Millville Choir, singing at funerals or weddings, or singing Amazing Grace a capella at graveside services. She held memberships in the Golden Hearts Senior Group, and the North Smithfield and St. Agatha's Church Seniors' Groups. She wouldn't dream of missing a bus trip to Foxwoods, Moheagn Sun, or Atlantic City.

Millie was a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers, a group of women retired from the telephone company who helped the poor, made and delivered heart pillows to patients in local hospitals, and gave books to children in schools acorss northern RI. Millie had a smile and personality that would light up any room. She was also a hopeless flirt...just ask anyone who knew her!

She leaves her children, Carolyn Frayne (Sharon Pagliarini) of Smithfield, Stephen Wowk (Maureen), and Melinda O'Donnell (John) of Slatersville; five grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Michael Frayne, Kristina and Bradley Harris, and Amanda and Joshua Wowk; her beloved great granddaughter, Carter Faith, Wowk; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Gregg Wowk; two brothers, Harold and Lawrence LaClair; and her sister, Olive Maynard.

The family would like to thank the HopeHealth Hospice Care of RI and the Maria Clancy Team of Pawtucket.

Her funeral will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 11AM in Slatesville Congregational Church, Greene St. On the Common, Slatersville. Burial will follow in Slatersville Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday from 4-7 PM in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 So. Main St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Slatersville Congregational Church, P.O. Box 808, Slatersville, RI 02876 or to HopeHeatlh Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.
 

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