Velta (Skrastins) Klavins

Velta Klavins, 99, of Manchester, CT, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on May 13, 2022. She was the wife of the late Olgerts Klavins. Velta was born on June 12, 1922 in Riga, Latvia. She was predeceased by her parents, Rosalija (Vigants) and Jazeps Saltis when she was young. Upon their deaths, she and her sister, Irma (Jaganova) were adopted by her aunt and uncle, Emilija (Vigants) and Janis Skrastins. She married Eduards Tauris and together they had two children, Andris (Thelma "Teddy" Sablon-Tauris) and Ilze (John Zemzars). They fled Latvia in 1944 to Germany. While they were living in a displaced persons camp, Eduards passed away. In 1950, Velta and her two young children immigrated to the United States. They settled in Connecticut. She married Olgerts Klavins and together they had four children, Valdis John (with Martha Ann O’Neal), Anna Dace (Michael Spencer), Rudite “Dede” Elizabeth (Edward Pilpel), and Ingrid Emily (Allan Koerner). They made their life in Manchester. In 1960, Velta, by her husband’s side, began their American dream by forming Paragon Tool Co., Inc. which still exists today. Velta, first and foremost, was a homemaker raising her six children. She prided herself with her baking and cooking. When friends and guests arrived at her home they would be welcomed by the aroma of baked goods. She was best known for her tortes, yeast breads, and her family’s favorite, Election Day apple pie. Velta was proud to be an American citizen. She held her country dear to her heart. She was very patriotic and was well informed with world affairs. Velta was a member of the American Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manchester and was involved with the Ladies’ Society and partook in baking holiday “piparu kukas” for the annual Christmas bazaar. Along with her children, she leaves her twelve grandchildren, Matthew (Christina Tauris), Andrea LeBlond, Sandra (Paul Clark), Michael Spencer, Ryan (Claire Spencer), Joseph Spencer, Alexander (Lauren Pilpel), Benjamin Pilpel, Helena “Laney” (Donald Dowling), Andrew Koerner, Mara Koerner, and Olivia Koerner. She also leaves her sixteen great grandchildren Alyssa, Matthew, Jonathan, Mia, Selena, Zoe, Asher, Joshua, Madison, MacKenzie, Aiden, Lucas, Grace, Cole, Robert, and Elle. She also leaves behind her niece, Irisa  (Juris Narins).
The family will receive friends at Manchester Funeral Home, 142 E Center St, Manchester on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 2:00-5:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Holy Transfiguration Romanian Orthodox Church, 2 Winter St, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (OMFA), c/o Ilze Resnis, 10930 Nollwood Dr, Chardon, OH 44024.
 

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