Claude, of Westland, formerly of Livonia, a treasured husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed into eternal life early Tuesday morning, December 6, 2022.  He was 86 years old.

Claude was born January 25, 1936, at home in Detroit, to the late Edward and Marguerite (Rochon) Paquette.  He married Joanne B. (Lessway) on May 22, 1965, at St. Gerald Catholic Church, Farmington.  Together, Claude and Joanne enjoyed over 57 years of marriage.

Claude was a living saint. He was kind and beautiful and his demeanor was sweet. He was devoted to his family and his faith in God.  He was smart with numbers and was a natural problem solver. He loved to paint, sculpt, weld, wood carve and create beautiful stained-glass pieces. He saw beauty in everything, from his precious flower gardens to the art he would design. Claude was forever loving to his wife Joanne and his children and grandchildren. His smile was infectious and generosity large. To know him was to love him. He will be profoundly missed.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Joanne; devoted daughters, Danielle (Steve) Thibodeau and Renee (Caryn Craig) Paquette; and three cherished grandchildren, Emily, Steven, and Mathew Thibodeau.  Claude was preceded in death by two brothers, Rheal (the late Patricia) Paquette and Raymond Paquette.

The Paquette family will receive guests at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon, December 11, from 1-6 pm.  A time prayer and remembrances is scheduled for 4 pm.

Claude's funeral mass will be celebrated Monday morning, December 12th, at 10:00 am (in state at 9:30 am) at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, 25225 Code Road, Southfield.

Memorial tributes are suggested to the Franciscan Outreach Program at Transfiguration Parish .

Kindly keep Claude and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.