Obituary of Clare J. Pettit

CLARE J. PETTIT Loudonville—Clare J. Pettit, 99, of Loudonville entered into eternal life after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Clare was the beloved wife of the late Melvin Pettit, Sr., who died January 21, 2015. Survivors include her loving children Melvin (Charlyn) Pettit, Jr., and Eileen (Ken) Sielatycki; her cherished grandchildren Derek (the late Elaine) Pettit and Keith (Debbie) Pettit; her adored great-grandchildren Alex Pettit and Julia Pettit; and several nieces and nephews. Born in Plainfield, N.J., to Irish immigrants, the late Edward and Julia Nee Strapp, she was the youngest of six children. She was raised in Highland Park, N.J., and graduated from Ms. Whitman's Junior College. Clare met her future husband, Melvin, at a USO dance in New Jersey. They were married July 27, 1946. Over the years, they lived in many places including Highland Park, N.J., Troy, N.Y., Toronto, Ontario and Loudonville, N.Y. Her faith, her family and her love of people were the cornerstones of Clare's life. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed curling. She loved the New York Yankees and Norte Dame football. One of Clare's favorite times of the year was St. Patrick's Day and her annual "Irish Coffee Party." Clare was predeceased by her brothers Edward, Frank and Phil, and her sisters Mae and Eleanor. Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday, December 22, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville with Rev. James Walsh officiating. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of the Loudonville Assisted Living Residence for the love and care given to Clare during her stay with them. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Joseph's Residence, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut 06082. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.