Annette W. Calimafde passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in Old Greenwich, CT, at the age of 100. She was born on January 9, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY. She met the love of her life, John Michael Calimafde, during World War II. They married 17 days after their first meeting and so began a magical marriage that lasted 70 years. Annette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her extraordinary love and care for her family, her kindness to all who worked with her, and her passion for hosting loved ones in her beautiful home. She changed the lives of many, including her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will always remember her witty sense of humor and the countless times she was their greatest champion. Annette was not only the matriarch of her family but also the lynchpin. Constantly preoccupied with the needs and wants of others, she worked tirelessly to make the lives of her loved ones easier and richer.
After moving to Greenwich, Annette became very active in politics. She was a member of the League of Women Voters of Greenwich for many years and served as its President from 1977 to 1980. She was also a member of the Representative Town Meeting, the legislative body that governs the Town of Greenwich, from 1976 to 1984, and the Democratic Town Committee for 15 years. She also served as the President of the Democratic Women’s Club from 1988 to 1990.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Paula Calimafde Mark (Alan) and Erica Calimafde Bawot (John); her grandchildren, Ilana Mark (Brian McGuire), Chelsey Bawot (Rachael Caine), Clifford Mark, Alexandra Bawot (Serge Thompson), Kyle Bawot (Lucia), Clayton Mark; Michael Kolodny; her seven great-grandchildren, Jacob Mark, Brayden Box, Jonah Mark, Isla and Sloane Bawot-Caine, and Connor and Dylan Thompson; her sister-in-law, Lynn Broekman, and her niece, Eileen Razzetti (Rob Sutherland). She was predeceased by her husband, John Calimafde, her sister, Helen Fidurski, and her brother, Stanley Walicki.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Annette’s memory may be made to Saint Jude, saintjude.org , or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, macular.org .
Cliff Mark’s Eulogy for Annette “Nana” Calimafde
Nana was an at her core an authentic woman.
From that base layer she was altruistic, understanding the importance of family and doing whatever she could to keep them together. She was able to envision a better future for her friends family, neighborhood, and community and worked for that and as such was one of the most generous people I’ve ever met.
Nana knew the value of good times. Poppy and her hosted many beautiful events for her friends and family. Providing beautiful memories for generations.
Nana was incredibly wise with incredibly good discernment. I didn’t always understand the things she said, but as I grew in understanding everything she and Poppy said become verified by my experience. Indeed this goes beyond just the things she said.
Nana was an exemplary woman at all times and all ways. She interacted with people with grace and understanding. She was humble and loving.
Her presence will be greatly missed. Heaven, a place Jesus has described as having many mansions, has a woman with experience keeping a beautiful home. And although not an athlete; a champion in life. God thank you for blessing us with this amazing woman.
Philippines 4:8 says we should meditate on things that are beautiful and good and Nana provided the opportunity for us to enjoy many beautiful times to think about.