Claire Marie Barra, 99, of East Durham, passed away on January 1, 2026, in Albany.

She was born in the Bronx, a daughter of the late John and Cecelia Rider Lucas. The family moved to Kiskatom where they ran a boarding house.

In her teens, Claire worked for Krause Bros. Products in Catskill. She attended Albany Business College. Claire married in 1949 and had seven children.

In 1962 her family bought Three Streams Farm in Kiskatom where she raised Polled Hereford Cattle. She was a member, county director and secretary/treasurer of the Eastern Division - NY Beef Cattlemen’s Association. After her divorce in 1979, Claire continued to run the farm with the help of two daughters.

Claire worked for Ed Schelling Insurance, Catskill Hospital and then as secretary at Columbia Memorial Hospital - Engineering Department. She retired at age 71 which gave her more time to spend at the farm she loved.

She took up bowling at age 80 and continued well into her 90’s, meeting many wonderful friends.

In 2010 the Farm was sold and Claire moved to East Durham. She remained active with her flowers and gardening.

Claire enjoyed the simple things in life - reading, quiet walks, and always a good cup of tea or coffee. Above all else, Claire loved taking care of family and always making birthdays and holidays extra special.  We couldn’t have asked for a better mother!

Loving mother of Kathleen (Robert) Fredenburgh of Catskill, Jeffrey Barra of Catskill, Matthew (Barbara) Barra of Cherry Valley, NY, Juanita Lane of East Durham, Judith Barra of East Durham, Robert Barra of Jordansville, NY and the late Rocco Barra; sister of the late Eileen Barra, Kathleen Barra and Cecelia DuBois. Five grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Claire’s family would like to thank Columbia Memorial Hospital and the Town of Durham Ambulance for their professional and compassionate care given to our mother.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday at Traver &McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill from 10 to 11:30 a.m. At11:30 a.m. there will be a brief service followed by interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Messages of condolence may be made to www.TraverMc.com.  

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