Claire Ann Ducey

Claire Ann Ducey

GLENS FALLS NY – Ms. Claire Ann Ducey, formerly of Staten Island, residing in Glens Falls, left us on Saturday afternoon May 5, 2018.  She was 78 and two months. A victim of rheumatoid arthritis, since the late nineties, Claire fought a valiant battle, undergoing numerous joint replacements, and tolerating much pain.  In the end, the inflammation was relentless and renal failure sealed her fate, along with an extremely taxed heart. The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses of Glens Falls Hospital and Hudson Headwaters Homeward Bound Program, for their wonderful care.

On this her final day she was accompanied by her family, some just up for the day. There was her daughter Joy Keithline, and son in law, George Harrig of Fort Ann; her brother William Ducey and his wife Ethel and their son, Jacky Ducey of Staten Island. They all kept vigil while sharing that special love at life’s last glimmer. In the end it was peaceful, mixed with remorse, as Claire never liked to give up a good fight.

Claire Ann Ducey is also survived by Jacky’s two children Bill Ducey and Emily Ducey; and Jack’s sister Rita Turkowski, and her children Marcelle Turkowski, and Stefan Turkowski. The family wishes to thank the incredible love and care given to Claire in her time of need from the best people on Earth, caregivers, whose heroic efforts often go unsung. Shout out to Ms. Elizabeth, Alimami and Amy, Desreen and Vivian, just some of the incredible caregivers over many years who brought vibrancy and dignity to her ever growing infirmities.

After retirement and before the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis, Claire Ann Ducey dedicated herself to the care of her father John Ducey and her sister Eileen (Ducey) Fair in their time of need.  She also took care of her dear companion Mr. Earl Walker, after he suffered a stroke.  Now all long deceased, along with her brother James Ducey. As a young girl Claire suffered the loss of her mother Mary Ducey née Gallahue, who was from Vermont.. Her Dad Jack Ducey originally hailed from Newfoundland.

Claire’s Life

Throughout her life there were many fun road trips especially in her 1969 white Camaro. Together with her daughter and others there were winter trips north, summer trips to Maine, memorably Bar Harbor, where Claire locked eyes with a great Humpback Whale, and the countless trips to Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

Claire was a lover of life and all creatures but especially her many cats and dogs. Fondly are remembered Harry and Bonnie McCloud, her two Westies, and their pup Lily. Then there were the cats; Sai Guy, Butch, Tina, Red, Amby, Marie as well as Pearl Cat, who just left us this past winter. There were also a love of two needles, wool, and many sweaters, hats and scarfs; of the oven with the aroma of fresh baked breads and deep dish apple pie; and of the soil and all things plant, be they veggies, flowers or great trees.

And please one more shout out to Buz in Staten Island, her number one fan.  Remember “there’s a high price to pay for being poor.” Claire was happiest when laughing and gravitated to people who delivered that humor.

Memorial gifts can be made to your local animal shelter, ASPCA, Audubon, or the Nature Conservancy. Claire’s final resting place will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, in their new green section, Peaceful Meadows; so that in death life is once more sustained.

God bless the good Earth and all who care for her! Amen! Hallelujah!

This Obituary is courtesy of the Baker Funeral Home in Queensbury NY.

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