Claire Theresa Chytilo
Claire Theresa Chytilo, aged ninety-six, born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away in Santa Barbara, California on January 18, 2025, after a brief illness. Claire was the only child of the late Arthur and Eva Janson.
Claire graduated with distinction from Regis College in 1949 as an English Major. Her passion for education led her to a successful career as a teacher. Initially, she dedicated her talents to teaching elementary school children but found her true calling as a Middle and High School Art Teacher. Claire’s extensive knowledge and love of literature, poetry, art, and history made her an erudite and engaging conversationalist.
Claire married Stephen B. Chytilo in 1951 and together, they embarked on a new chapter, moving to the Washington DC metro area and settling in northern Virginia. For 50 years she brought her energy, inquisitiveness, deep interest in others and appreciation of beautiful things to a multitude of community and civic activities where she often took leadership roles. She and Steve shared a deep devotion to political action, the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church and the Hollin Hills community where they lived. Claire found her niche as a fiber artist and contributed her talents and energy to local and national art organizations, including the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild and Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory.
In 2000, they began a new adventure in Santa Barbara, California. Claire leapt in, bringing her passion and energy to the communities close to her heart: art, music, political action, intellectual growth, and Unitarian Universalism. Claire continued her interest in travel that she and Steve shared, as they were 25-year lifelong learners of Elderhostel. She was an inspiration, demonstrating warmth, curiosity, and love for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Claire was preceded in death by Steve (2007), and is survived by her children Jan, Lynne (Mark Blossom) and Marc (Nancy Weiss); grandchildren Liza (Eric Zimak), Daniel (Bethany Robinson) and Sam; great grandchildren Myles and Claire (her namesake).
She led a full and beautiful life. The next time you experience a colorful sunset, moving music, stirring art or thing of beauty, think of Claire.
A celebration of Claire’s life will be held at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara on March 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm Pacific Time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to any of the organizations and causes Claire was involved in or cared about, such as the Alliance at the Unitarian
Society of Santa Barbara, The Fund for Santa Barbara, or to the Arthur and Eva Janson Endowed Art Scholarship at Albion College,
https://advancement.albion.edu/register/give?sys:gift fund=19c2ebba-c285-215a-20f3-ae2c10c92f29