Clara M. Whitaker

GUILDERLAND CENTER – Clara M. Whitaker (Hoffman), 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at home after a long struggle with cancer. Clara was born and raised in Albany in the Arbor Hill area. She was one the fifteen children of Mary Ellen Sweeney and Arthur Hoffman.

Along with her parents, Clara was predeceased by her granddaughter, Shannon Whitaker, and thirteen siblings.

Clara is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Norman E. Whitaker, Sr.; children Clara (Larry) DePaulo, Patricia Whitaker, Norman Whitaker, Jr. and Brian Whitaker; brother Paul Hoffman; grandchildren Janel Cloutier, Megan Whitaker, Kara Whitaker and Brian Whitaker, Jr.; great-grandchildren Emily Cloutier and David Van Buren, III, and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Whitaker loved her family and taking care of her home. She worked for Tobin Packing when she was young and also as a bookkeeper for Montgomery Ward. Clara worked side-by-side with her husband with their bar and grill and construction business. Mrs. Whitaker loved her family and taking care of her home. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother.

Thank you to the staff at St. Peter's Hospital, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, and Community Hospice, as well as Dr. Hornick and Dr. Sharma for their excellent care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 am at St. Luke's Church, 1241 State Street, Schenectady. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.