HALFMOON, NY – Claire Terese Ventosa, 85, passed away in the arms of her beloved husband, John, surrounded by their children and grandchildren on Saturday evening, September 19, 2015.
Though a city girl through and through – raised in Highbridge, Bronx and a longtime resident of Staten Island- Claire was happiest at the home she made with John on Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondacks.
Family was always the center of Claire’s life. She was tremendously proud of her Scottish heritage and loved to share stories of her family-filled childhood on Nelson Avenue with her children and grandchildren. A woman of great warmth, grace, and humility, she was not only an admirable wife and mother, but also a devoted and loyal friend with many friendships nurtured for over 50 years. Many will remember her quick humor and acceptance of others. A tremendous caregiver, Claire was happiest when taking care of others. She was committed to her faith and service and spent time volunteering with John for City Meals on Wheels and Project Hospitality. She was devoted to the Catholic Church and had been recently very excited by Pope Francis’ philosophy.
Claire had a full and rewarding life and towards the end of her 85 years, reflected on how lucky she was to feel so complete in the life she shared with John and their family.
She was predeceased by her parents Florence and Alexander Chisholm, brother Robert Chisholm, sister Elizabeth Chisholm, and daughter Terese Ventosa. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John; her brother Richard Chisholm; her children John (and Karen) A. Ventosa, Paul (and Christa) Ventosa, Stephen Ventosa, Ann (and Harry) Hartman, Melissa (and Walter) Martin; her grandchildren, John J. (and Lauren), Kevin and Abigail Ventosa, Emma, Dietrich, Caroline and Charlotte Hartman, Sophia and Patrick Ventosa; and her great-grandchildren, Louise and Claire Martin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10 Austin Pl, Staten Island Thursday morning at 10:00am. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Staten Island. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made in Claire’s name to: Jesuit Ministry-America Inc., 106 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019. Arrangements are by the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Holman & family
September 21, 2015 at 4:47 pmOur heartfelt condolences to Mr. John Ventosa & rest of his wonderful family. Mrs. V. was a very special woman and we will always have her spirit & memory to remind us of that…..Till we meet again………..
Janet Hartman
September 21, 2015 at 7:43 pmSending thoughts, prayers and hugs to all.. No doubt Claire touched the lives of many and she will be dearly missed. May all the beautful memories of her live on in all of you. As her obituary states so beautifully, Claire lived a very full and rewarding life. May she now rest in peace. xoxo
Doug Davis
September 22, 2015 at 4:31 amPlease accept my sincere condolences. Although I only met Claire a few times, it was obvious that she was a great woman and the strong sense of family that exists within all of you is a testament to her life.
Dawn Toole
September 22, 2015 at 5:15 amI was so sorry to hear of Claire’s passing- I know that she will be missed greatly. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian, Janet and Brianna Kubicki
September 22, 2015 at 8:08 amOur thoughts and prayers go out to all of you as you celebrate the life of this wonderful lady who built such a legacy.
Barbara Chisholm
September 22, 2015 at 1:54 pmMy love is with you all during this sad loss. Please send my condolences to Uncle John especially. I’m sorry to be so far away but please know my thoughts are so much about you and Aunt Claire.
Virginia & Peter Marotta
September 22, 2015 at 4:49 pmSo sorry to hear of the passing of Claire. We had many fond memories with the P.T. A. And with our children. John and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane & Gene Greco
September 22, 2015 at 6:07 pmOur thoughts are with the Ventosa family who we love and respect very much. We are blessed to have known a fantastic lady like Mrs. Ventosa.
Brianne Toole
September 22, 2015 at 7:38 pmTo Paul and the Ventosa family, We were very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Although we only met a few brief times it was evident that she was a very kind and loving woman and mother. Please accept our sincere condolences!
Alissa Wilson
September 23, 2015 at 8:34 amI was sorry to hear the sad news. I am so sorry that I cannot attend the services tomorrow.
Claire was such a wonderful friend to my grandmother, and always so warm and welcoming to me. Fond memories abound. I know she will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to all of you at this time.
Gloria and Joe Amari
September 23, 2015 at 3:44 pmWe were so sorry to hear of Clare’s passing.
Although it has been 35 or more years since we’ve been together, we have strong, fond memories of Clare as a volunteer at P.S. 16,Staten Island. She was the best coworker in the PTA!
The Ventosa boys and our sons were such pals and Clare’s kitchen was always full of neighborhood kids.
Our prayers are with John and the family.
Kathleen Rahaman
September 23, 2015 at 6:50 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you Ann and your family. Your mom was one of the sweetest persons I ever met. I will always remember her warm smile, and good nature. You were richly rewarded with an amazing mother and grandmother to your children. Hugs and thinking of you.
Paula & Jay Romasco
September 24, 2015 at 8:20 amDear Johnny and family:
We were so sorry to hear of Claire’s passing. We have lots of fond memories through the years. What a warm and great smile she had – always welcoming. We are thinking of you all.