Claire Terese Ventosa

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.