Claudia Mae Nowak

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Claudia Mae Nowak (Palarski). Claudia was born in West Branch, Michigan, on September 12, 1946 to Edward and Octavia Palarski (Draze). After moving to Manistee, Claudia graduated from Manistee High School in 1964, then went on to Aquinas College to study elementary education graduating in 1968. Claudia earned her master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1988. While at Aquinas, Claudia met the love of her life, Lee Nowak of Gaylord, Michigan. The couple was married on August 17, 1968. They lived for a few years in the Detroit area, then settled in Traverse City. Claudia taught kindergarten and later, first grade at Old Mission Peninsula Elementary until she retired. Claudia was a talented artist and musician. She created lovely pottery pieces, macrame, weavings, baskets, water color paintings, stained glass, and played the piano beautifully. She was an amazing teacher and animal lover who had numerous classroom animals and she and Lee even rescued an injured squirrel that was later released back into the wild. While teaching, she became known as the Monarch lady after arranging for her classrooms hatched butterflies to be flown to Florida, after winter hit early in Michigan. She never forgot her students and would ask every new acquaintance their name, hoping to connect back to a former student. It was surprising how often a connection happened. Even while suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Claudia and Lee continued to sail and travel. Each summer they would enjoy get-aways on their boat, the Leedia III, an Alberg 30 and had very fond memories with their boating friends. They explored the world with trips to Canada, Europe, Russia, and Mexico. Ultimately, they fell in love with Alaska and sled dog races. They soon became Iditarod regulars, traveling to Alaska to witness the race in person, and also began volunteering at the UP 200 sled dog race. Over the years, they befriended many mushers and loved visiting Michigan kennels to see and pet their favorite dogs. They created B.A.R.K.: Buy a Round of Kibble offering race fans the opportunity to buy their favorite kennel dog food. If you knew Claudia and Lee, you would have witnessed the love and immense devotion they had for one another. Claudia showed that same love and devotion to her family and friends. She was an intentional, genuine, loving presence in every one of her relationships and never wanted the focus to be on her. She was an inspiring example of strength, patience and modesty. Claudia is survived by her long-time devoted husband, Lee Nowak, brothers Greg (Carole) Palarski, Tim (Sunny) Palarski and nieces Laurie (Dave) Anderson, Chris (Dean) Skiver, Carolyn (Chris) Hall, Amy White Hansen, Julie (Todd) Griffis, Ashley (Chuck) Dean, Julia (Ronald) Adkins, Nathan Palarski, and thirteen great nieces and nephews. Claudia is also survived by her sister-in-law’s Sandy (Mike) Tarbutton, Marlene (Jack) Warren, Linda (Allan) Bentz, Connie (Conrad) Latuszek, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In accordance with Claudia’s wishes, there will not be a public funeral. In memory of Claudia, donations can be made in her name to the BARK program (found at: www.sleddogcentral.com/bark.htm), The Multiple Sclerosis Association, the Immaculate Conception Food Pantry in Traverse City, or the Mayo Clinic.

Claudia Mae Nowak

September 12, 1946 - September 14, 2024