Kathleen Clapper

COLONIE_Kathleen Clapper, 72, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2016 surrounded by her family.

She was born on March 16, 1943 to Raymond and Louise (Dreis) Miller in Albany, NY.

Kathleen was a lifelong resident of the capital district. Kathy was a competitive champion roller skater and baton twirler growing up, she began her working career as an instructor at the Louise Miller School of Baton. In 1964 she married her husband Albert G. Clapper in Albany. Kathy later owned and operated the Louise Miller Studios of Baton and Dance throughout the capital district, training many twirlers that went on to become champions. After retiring early, she and her husband owned and operated The Portrait Place in Colonie.

Kathleen was always a talented artist. She was an Inductee and Board Member of the Baton Twirlers Hall of Fame.
As a professional photographer, she painted backdrops at the portrait studio, was a member of the Professional Photographers of America and earning a degree within the organization as a Master of Photography. She was a member of the Capital Champlain PPSNY and many other organizations throughout the capital district including, Rotary International, The Chamber of Commerce, the Amateur Athletic Union and the National Baton Twirlers Association.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Kathy most treasured her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and a kind hearted and giving woman. She always made sure everyone gathered together for the holidays and selflessly gave herself to those who were most important in her life. She will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege to know and love her.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Albert G. Clapper; her children, Stephanie and her husband Eric Malone, Steven and his wife Sheila Clapper; her mother and husband, Louise and Alton Hoffman; a grandson, Joshua Clapper; her brother, Greg (Teena) Miller; sister, Mary (Larry) Krug; her sister-in-law, Dolores (Bill) Kurtzner; her beloved nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Miller and her mother and father-in-law, Albert and Jennie Clapper.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 from 4-7pm at New Comer Funeral Home in Colonie. A
funeral service to celebrate Kathy's life will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at10:00am at the New Comer Funeral Home. Graveside services will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery immediately following funeral services.