Latham - Clare Marion Schisa died peacefully in North Bennington, VT after a long and happy life. She was 96 years young.
Clare was the devoted wife to Louis William Schisa, her beloved husband of 51 years, until his death in 2006. She was an exceptional mother and cherished her three daughters and sons-in-law: Dr. Beth D’Angelo (Dr. Kevin D’Angelo) of Orchard Park, NY, Nancy Porter (Dr. Michael Porter) of Bennington, VT and Carol O’Grady (Terrance O’Grady) of Pittsford, NY. Clare was a proud grandmother to Dr. Bill (Dr. Elizabeth) and Dr. Alle D’Angelo, Tara (Joseph Maduri), Chris (Stephanie) and Alyssa Porter, and Thomas and Leigh O’Grady, great-grandmother to Eli and Olivia D’Angelo and loving aunt to Rebecca Kittell and Amy (Dave) Hale along with many more adored nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born in Troy, NY, she was a first generation American as the younger daughter of the late Harry and Zabel Toolajian and sister of the late Martha (Albert) Rokow. A child of the Depression, Clare worked immediately following her graduation from Troy High. She enjoyed her role in promoting travel to NYS for the Dept. of Commerce and proved valuable with her energy, efficiency and cheerful personality. Upon her marriage in 1954, she moved to Binghamton, NY and then back to the Albany area in 1961 where she resided in Latham, NY for almost 60 years.
A woman of strong faith, Clare was an active church member throughout most of her life at the Armenian Congregational Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Loudonville Presbyterian Church. She served in the choir and fellowship committee, taught Sunday school and volunteered for various charities and organizations in the Albany-Troy area.
Clare spoke three languages, was an avid reader of news, literature and a good mystery and could solve any word jumble or crossword puzzle with remarkable speed. An immaculate homekeeper and excellent cook, baker and entertainer, her home was regularly filled with neighbors, friends, family, pounds of chocolate and her home-made cheesecake celebrating life’s milestones and holidays. Always dressed elegantly for every occasion, she adored fashion and fine apparel. Above all, Clare was a loyal friend who never judged and always saw the good in others. Her generous, kind spirit and beautiful smile will be remembered by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank Wanda and Wayne King along with the wonderful staff at Fairwinds Residential Care Home for their loving and attentive care during her three years there.
Contributions may be made in Clare’s memory to Fairwinds Residential Care Home 108 Mechanic Street North Bennington, VT 05257.
Funeral services will be private with a memorial planned for a later date. We welcome you to share any memories or light a candle, visit www.brycefh.com.
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