Obituary of Elizabeth Emma Claes

Mrs. Elizabeth Emma Claes, 87, formerly of Stone Arabia Street, Nelliston, New York died Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center. Born on April 22, 1927 in Edesheim, Germany, she was the daughter of Matthäus Schneider and Magdalene Schwarz Schneider. She was educated in Germany. Mrs. Claes lived for many years on Stone Arabia Road, prior to moving to Stone Arabia Street in Nelliston. Mrs. Claes worked with her husband on their dairy farm from June 1969-1993, while being a mother to their 5 children. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Mrs. Claes was a member of the Farm Bureau for many years. She loved gardening, baking, cooking, and being with her grandchildren. On September 6, 1952 in Pine Bush, NY, Elizabeth was married to Charles J. Claes, Sr. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1993. She was also predeceased by her brother, Walter Schneider. Mrs. Claes is survived by her 3 sons, Charles J. Claes, Jr. and Donna of Brooktondale, NY, John M. Claes and Sandy of Stone Arabia, NY, William W. Claes and Beth of Ephratah, NY; 2 daughters, Barbara A. and John Heroth of Stone Arabia, NY, Mary Ann and Les Brown of Cobleskill, NY; brother, Alois Schneider of Germany; sister, Erika Schneider of Germany; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 9:00am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Reid Street, Fort Plain. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 6:00-8:00pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda, NY. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Howard Nare for his years of friendship and support. Also thank you to the staff of the St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center for all the compassion and care. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Claes may be made to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 119 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.