Claire T. Conant

SHARON — Claire T. Conant, 91, of Villas, N.J., died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on July 31, 2011. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in many places, but spent her happiest years in Sharon. Claire earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Queens College in 1941 and a master’s in social work from Fordham University in 1971. She worked in social work for many years for the state of New York and attained the position of chief of services for the Wassaic DDSO. Claire devoted a great deal of her life to the service of others. She is survived by eight children, James P. Conant of Warwick, N.Y., Joseph P. Conant of Peachtree City, Ga., Richard P. Conant of Bozeman, Mont., Robert R. Conant of Nyack, N.Y.,Raymond P. Conant of North Anson, Maine, Roger W. Conant of Goshen, N.Y., George E. Conant of Woodstock, N.Y., and Mary C. (Baglione) Layton of Villas; a brother, Richard Higgins of Mechanicville, N.Y.; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.She was predeceased by a son, John R. Conant; and two brothers, James and Robert Higgins. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church in Sharon. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Cape VNA (Hospice), 1940 US Route 9N, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 or a charity of the donor’s choice. To share condolences, go to www.evoyfuneralhome.com.

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