Claire Newmark Hanley

Claire Newmark Hanley, 80, of Brainard, NY passed away after a short illness, on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Hospice Inn at St Peter's Hospital.

She was born to the late Morris and Sylvia Newmark, in Albany, NY, the eldest of three sisters, Maxine (who passed away in 1970), and Janice (aka Ani Rinchen Khandro). She graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1953 where she was voted most likely to succeed, and was affectionately known as "Red." She spent nearly her entire life in and around Albany, a city for which she had boundless affection.

Claire was predeceased by her husband, Robert B. Hanley who passed away in 2005. She is survived by her children: David Hanley, Cindy Peavey, Jolene Ransear, Neta Donovan, Victoria Brown, Peter Hanley, Elizabeth Sunshine, Daniel Hanley and Matthew Hanley, 20 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Beyond this, Claire valued and cultivated lasting friendships with aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow bus riders. Many of these relationships spanned decades.

Claire had a great many interests. She enjoyed quilting, knitting and sewing, especially when making something colorful and unique for a loved one. She enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends. She was a great supporter of the arts, finding equal joy in attending a symphony or ballet on the lawn at SPAC, strolling through an art gallery, or attending a play or recital with or featuring one of her grandchildren. Her love of the natural world was satisfied by gardening, whale watching, supporting various wildlife and conservation organizations. She was a teacher as well as a student of the woods, cultivating her love of nature. Claire loved card games, bridge in particular. For about five decades, she met monthly with a group of friends to play bridge and challenge each other, but also to share friendship and humor.

Claire was well loved and will be fondly remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her. She leaves behind a legacy born from the simple acts of caring and gentle kindness. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Their professional efforts and kindness helped make Claire's final sojourn humane and comfortable.

Visitations will be held at New Comer Funerals & Cremations, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, New York on Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am at New Comer Funerals & Cremations. Interment will follow the service at Independent Benevolent Cemetery, Fuller Road.