Obituary of Clara E. Marks

Ballston Spa, Saratoga County - Clara Elizabeth Marks passed away peacefully at the Saratoga Center on August 22nd, at the age of 92. She was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1923 to Clifford and Dorothy (nee Hunt) Alger. The first of six children, she grew up on a farm in the Adirondack Mountains in Warrensburg, New York. She was the wife of Edwin (Eddie) Marks of Glenville for 43 years until his death in 1990. After graduating from high school, Clara enrolled in nursing school at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York. As part of her nurse's training, she completed an internship at a maternity hospital in New York City. Clara continued her nursing career at Sunnyview Hospital and Rehabilitation Center until her retirement. Her post retirement years were very busy. She served on many committees at her church, volunteered at Bethesda House, a local inter-faith organization that assists citizens who are disadvantaged, volunteered at the Schenectady Library, and traveled with a church group in the south, where she helped to repair and build homes in a poor, rural community. In addition to her involvement with church committees and group projects, Clara was a tireless support for her many friends and their families. She loved going out with friends, to breakfast, to lunch, to dinner, or just for coffee at the local Stewarts shop. Clara and Eddie were active members of the Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church in Niskayuna, New York. They loved square-dancing and getting together with friends to play cards (Pinochle especially). They frequently vacationed on the Maine coast, but also visited Hawaii, Alaska and the southeastern states. Clara was a remarkably generous and loving human being. Her many exceptional qualities included dedication, independence, an infectious sense of humor, and a refreshing open-mindedness. Throughout her life, Clara enjoyed a sense of adventure, and an optimistic approach to life's challenges. She was a woman with rich grace, who extended her hand to any she had the power to assist. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and three of her siblings: James Alger, Kenneth Alger and Edna LaBarge. She is survived by her sister, Susan Alger and her friend Dorothy Denham of Saratoga Springs, NY and her brother, Harry Alger and family of Warrensburg, NY. She is also survived by her daughter Shirley and husband Dave VanSchaick, and her son James and wife Jenny Dillman Marks, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association of Albany, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26th at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12309. A memorial service will be conducted at 10 am, Thursday, August 27th at the Eastern Parkway Methodist Church, 943 Palmer Ave, Schenectady, NY 12309. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens.