Clara Harrison Sands

ALBANY – Clara H. Sands died on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Mercy Nursing Home. Clara was the fourth child of Samuel and Golda (Rothbard) Harrison. She was born on December 22, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. Although Clara was raised in the Jewish faith, her best friend was Sister Mary Justine, CSAC, from childhood till Sister Justine’s passing. Clara was also a close friend of Father John Malecki. Father called her his soulmate. Clara always taught us that there is only one God whether you were in a Church or synagogue. She had a special devotion to St. Jude due to the influence of Sister Justine. Clara was open to those of all religions and even accepted when her daughter entered the convent of the Pallottine Sisters in Harriman, NY. Charles is also very active in his church in Pennsylvania. 

Clara is survived by her daughter Janice Montalbano Smircich (John), son Charles H. Montalbano (Nancy), granddaughters Mary Ellen Frustaci (Gary) and Susanne Coburn (Dan), and great-grandchildren Matthew Coburn, Joshua Coburn and Olivia Frustaci, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Besides her parents, Clara was predeceased by her former husband Charles Montalbano, and was the widow of John Sands, her siblings Blanche, Benny, Nat, and Jeanette and sister-in-law of Anna, Rose, Tony, Josephine, Carmela, Joey, and Anita Montalbano.  A special thanks to her “second son” and former boss Dale Thuillez who has been such a help and guide to us during this trying time. Thanks to Dale, and at Janice’s request, Dale’s friend Father Ken Paulli, OFM came to the nursing home and we had a very moving prayer service. When Father put his hands on her head our mother’s eyes opened a bit as if to say, “Thank you.” Thank you to Clara’s special friends, Kathy Spawn, Gladys, Julia, and Suzanne. Invaluable thanks to special hospice nurses Justine, Savannah, and Angel Parks. Thank you to nurse Lisa, Joan and Chris at Our Lady of Mercy Home.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  An evening prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.  Interment services will follow the Wednesday morning service in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.