Claire H. Leber
MEDUSA — Claire H. Leber, a farm wife, homemaker, and teacher, was a devoted member of Grapeville Baptist Church.
“Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023,” her family wrote in a tribute, “reunited with loved ones and dear friends.” She was 94.
“‘What a glorious day that will be — When my Jesus I shall see — When I look upon His face — The One who saved me by His grace — When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land,’” the tribute continued.
She was born on July 9, 1928, to the late Einar and Eveleen (née Bergwall) Olson on the family farm where she grew up and lived most of her life. A 1945 graduate of Greenville Central School, she served as class president and valedictorian.
“In addition to being a farm wife and homemaker,” her family wrote, “she was employed by Hannay Reels as their first secretary. She would later work for the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District.
“In 1993, she became a cherished teacher and co-worker at Grapeville Christian School. After 21 years at the school, she retired at the age of 88.
“Claire was a devoted member of Grapeville Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and pianist. She was a member of the Ladies Calvary Missionary Fellowship and served as president. One of the things she enjoyed most was hosting missionaries in her home, leading to many lifelong friendships.
“Claire was a dedicated member of the Rensselaerville Historical Society, Medusa Cemetery Association, Town of Rensselaerville Planning Board and served as an Albany County Election Inspector for many years.”
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Claire H. Leber is survived by her son, William, and his wife, Glenda, and by her daughter, Anne, whose husband, John, died before her.
She was “Grannie” to her beloved grandsons, Stephen (Lorraine), Matthew, Scott, Jonathan, and Dean (Savanah); great-granddaughters, Emily, Alexa, Peyton Claire, and Madison. She is also survived by several dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her husband of nearly 40 years, Hubert, died before her, as did her son, Stephen; brother, Robert; sisters, June and Irene; honorary sister, Mary Brunot; sister-in-law, Alice Brand; niece, Marsha Cance; nephews, David and John Milburn, and Col. Gary Brand, USAF (Ret.).
Calling hours will be Friday, March 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at A. J. Cunningham Funeral Home at 4898 State Route 81 in Greenville. Funeral services will be held at Grapeville Baptist Church at 2416 County Route 26 in Climax, on Saturday, March 4, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Medusa Cemetery in the spring.
“The family would like to thank the many individuals who helped provide heartfelt care to Claire over the past several years,” the tribute said, “especially Jennifer Ray and Tina Stannard; and including the staff and volunteers of The Community Hospice.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the Millersville Fellowship of Christian Athletes, care of Dan DeVinney, 314 N. George Street, Millersville, PA 17551 or to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.