Claire Voelker, age 84, of Waterbury, Vermont, formerly of Garden City, New York, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2012.

Born Claire Patricia Rose Craven on November 5, 1927, in Jamaica Queens, NY, she was raised by parents Blanche and Clarence with her sibling Blanche and cousins Robert and Bruce (McCarthy). The family resided briefly in Norwalk, Connecticut before returning to New York in Flushing, Queens. Claire graduated from St. Agnes High School, Flushing, in 1944; Adelphi University in 1948; and completed her Master's in Education from Adelphi in 1976. Claire taught elementary school at St. Raphael's in East Meadow, NY 1969-1987.

On June 19, 1948, Claire married Robert Joseph Voelker, Jr. at St. Andrew's church in Flushing. The couple resided in Cohoes, New Hyde Park and Farmingdale, NY before settling down in Garden City in 1958 at 3 Beech Street with children Patricia (Halloran), Jo Ann (Tacchi), Robert , Peter, John and Charles. Husband Bob owned and operated the family real estate business in New Hyde Park. He and Claire were active, devoted members of St. Joseph's Church in Garden City. In later life, the couple moved to Waterbury, VT with their daughter, Patricia and son-in-law, John.

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher and friend, Claire enriched the lives of many through her kindness, generosity and passion for living. Claire loved her many friends and enjoyed spending time on Long Island laughing with them. She eagerly traveled throughout the northeast to visit and spoil her seven grandchildren. "Noonie" always brought a smile.

Including her six children, Claire is survived by seven grandchildren: Matthew, Jennifer, Rachel, Daniel, Robert, Carolyn and Andrew; five great-grandchildren: Barrett, Connor, William, Emmett and Lillian and her "other children" (spouses) Mike, John, late Nancy, Judy, Dawn and Kim. In addition, she leaves behind many whose lives she has touched and will be remembered for her gentle personality, signature intelligence and extraordinary sensitivity.

A memorial service was be held on Wednesday, February 1 at St. Andrew's Church, Waterbury, VT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society and/or Central Vermont Home Health.