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Claude Lardeux Gorfien, 97, passed away peacefully at home in Guilford on Jan. 20. Claude was born in 1923, in the small 18th-century village of Le Pin-au-Haras in Normandy, France.

During World War II, she spent five days under house arrest for participation in underground activities just prior to the Allies’ advance, which precipitated her release. Following the war, she was a practicing industrial psychologist in Paris. In 1953, Claude married the late veterinarian Dr. Harry Gorfien and migrated to the United States with him that same year to settle in West Haven, where she helped him establish the West Haven Animal Clinic on Campbell Avenue.

She obtained two master’s degrees in the United States in addition to her French degrees and was a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in alcoholism and substance abuse until her retirement at the age of 89. She was admired by her colleagues for her sense of humor and keen mind. Claude will be remembered as a sharply intelligent, fiercely generous, and loyal friend, mother, and grandmother. She was also an expert clinician who changed and very likely saved many lives through constant dedication to her practice. She loved a good debate and in her later years she became a master of sudoku.

She is survived by her children Jack Gorfien, Larry Gorfien, and Claudette Rahti Anne Gorfien. She is also survived by her grandson Harper Gorfien Chalfin and son-in-law Richard Chalfin.

The Weller Funeral Home, New Haven was in charge of arrangements. To sign her memorial book, please visit:www.wellerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Women for Women International at womenforwomen.org.