Laurette (Matouk) Kaliff

Laurette Matouk Kaliff, 92, died peacefully at her home in Fairfield Wednesday, April 12, after a full and happy life. Laurette was born and raised in Trinidad, West Indies, the daughter of Wadih and Sadi Matouk, Lebanese immigrants to the island. She was the fourth of five children, all of whom predeceased her.

She was the beloved wife of the late William A. Kaliff Sr.. They raised a family of six children in Fairfield, where they lived together 55 years until his death in 2004. In addition to Fairfield, their time was split between homes in Westport Harbor, Mass., and Boca Raton, Florida, until age and health intervened.

A beautiful woman with a vivacious, generous and fun-loving personality, she reveled in the everyday life of caring for her family. She was a great cook, and a gracious and elegant hostess. She was the coolest mother in the neighborhood, always up for an adventure. Laurette was a gifted seamstress, a talent learned from her own mother, making many beautiful matching outfits for her young children, especially for the holidays. She loved the beach, a good game of golf, shopping at just about any store and reigning as the queen of Christmas. But her real gift was in creating a family full of love and support that is generations deep. She had an innate talent for making each family member feel special and seen. And today, thanks to her legacy, her family stands strong together. Her life motivation was driven by her deep Christian faith, the rewards of which she now enjoys.

She is survived by and remembered with deep love, gratitude and affection by her children: Rosinne Chlala  (husband, Antoine), Carol Kaliff, Elizabeth Hablitzel (husband, Jerry), Laurie Myles (husband, Tom), William A. Kaliff Jr., and Lionel Kaliff (wife, Jane.), eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held Sunday, April 23, 3pm to 6pm, at the Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 S Benson Road in Fairfield. A celebration of life will take place Monday, April 24, 11:30 am at the Southport Congregational Church, 524 Pequot Ave., Southport. Burial will follow directly after at Oaklawn Cemetery, 1530 Bronson Road, Fairfield.