HUDSON FALLS – Claire Ruth Carleton Fraser, 88, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.
Born on December 9, 1926, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of Will and Ida (Laraway) Carleton.
Claire was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School in 1944 and a 1948 graduate of Mount Holyoke College.
In 1949 she wed James Fraser and dedicated her early adult years to care for and raise her six children, Judith, Scott, Bruce, Andrew, Peter and James, Jr. Claire possessed a strong sense of social responsibility and her lifelong pursuit of performing volunteer work included head start of Albany, Meals on Wheels, the Chapman Historical Museum, Fort Hudson Healthcare Auxiliary, Mt. Holyoke Alumni Association and numerous others. She was a volunteer foster mother and hosted foreign students in her home. She welcomed children from the fresh air fund to her camp at Echo Bay for several summers and she would gladly lend a helping hand to a group or individual in need, often at a moment’s notice. She was also very proud to be a part of the Carleton family, who operated the Carleton Funeral home, Inc. in Hudson Falls for many years.
In 1978, inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit, Claire acquired the Cleverdale County Store and operated it for many years, growing the business, and content to serve the lakeside community of which, she enjoyed being a part.
In her later years, Claire spent her time adoring her 11 grandchildren, travelling as much as she could, and presiding over frequent gatherings of family and friends at Echo Bay as she had done for over 50 years.
She was predeceased by two sisters, Marion Wilson Storey and Jean C. Taylor and her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years, James Fraser of Hudson Falls; her children, Judith, of Longmeadow, MA, Scott, and his fiancé, Christine Burke, of Queensbury, Bruce and his wife, Kathleen, of Queensbury, Andrew and his wife, Suzanne, of Boxford, MA, Peter and his wife, Cheryl, of Queensbury, James, Jr., and his wife, Jessica, of Weston, FL; her grandchildren, Justin, Heath, Dean, Mackenzie, Heather, Brittany, Rory, Meredith, James, III, Luke and Benjamin; several nieces, nephews and a cousin, John Little.
Friends may call on Friday, May 29, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the Hudson Falls Fisrst Baptist Church, 118 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Fort Hudson Foundation, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the First Baptist Church in Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839
Jay and Jessica,
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. I hope that your fond memories of your mom fill you with comfort.
Love,
Laura and Mark Schroeder
Jay
Im sorry to hear that you lost your Mom and recently, your dad. I had a dream about your mom and dad the other night and it lead me to the net and the news of your loss. Jay, you and your family will always be a part of me. I know we drifted, but I cherish the memories we had as friends. I know this is very belated, but I hope this email finds you, and that you let your family know that I’m sorry. My mother passed away also, and I also lost my two brothers Bob and Jerry. Losing family has a way of hammering home that what matters most in life is your family and your friends. All the best to Jay. Please say hello to your siblings, and let them know I’m thinking of them. It’s been a long time.