Clara L. Anstey

Clara L. Anstey, 92, of Winfield and formerly of Montour Falls, NY, transcended from this life into glory Saturday, August 15, 2015 with her family all around her at home, where she resided with her daughter Robin and granddaughters Kameryn and Natalie Westling.

Born September 21, 1922 in Newburgh, NY, she was the daughter and one of seven children of the late John J. and Edith L. (Gordon) Schartzer.

Clara was a dedicated, hardworking, independent, and nurturing woman. As a young girl, she worked and helped her deaf father take care of their home and family. Some years later, she was not only busy caring for her own home and raising her family of six children, but she took in and cared for other children, all while being employed as an inspector for Westinghouse, retiring after 36 years. A woman of true grit, she faced trials and challenges throughout her life with determination and grace. Her heart overflowed with love and generosity.

She was a radiant beauty at every age. Her undying love, incredible wit, and intensely bright blue eyes charmed everyone and warmed hearts everywhere, making meaningful connections and friendships, which she truly cherished. She had a child-like enthusiasm for everything she did whether it be watching her favorite movies, singing, dancing, observing animals, opening presents, traveling, baking, shopping, sharing her flowers, and touring her impeccably gorgeous gardens. She enjoyed getting dressed up and sharing good stories and laughs. Her entire world revolved around her family and loved ones, which included her treasured flowers and plants as well! 

Clara was an avid gardener, cultivating and growing flowers and vegetables and anything else that could spring forth from the soil. As a steward of the earth, she intuitively knew how to care for plants and flowers. She loved walking through her yard to marvel at nature’s beauty. It was her sanctuary. And in recent years, her purple walker, or “Cadillac,” as she called it, assisted her. As a curator of light, she placed colored bottles in windows. She knew the best locations for her plants in relation to the sun. She spent hours watching sunrises, sunsets, full moons, skies full of stars, and bonfires both alone and with her loved ones. These things enriched her life as well as the lives of those around her.

Surviving is one son, Stan Anstey, of West Milton; three daughters, Lollie Anstey, of Delaware, Linda Babb, of West Virginia and Robin Westling, of Winfield; one sister, Loretta Schartzer, of NY; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren, and her loyal guardian (cat) Albie, as well as, countless lives she touched with her presence and accepted as her own family.

She was predeceased by one son, Archie John Anstey; one daughter; Judith Marion Anstey; three brothers and two sisters.

The family welcomes all to come celebrate Clara’s life Saturday, August 29 with a gathering at 11a.m. followed by a service at 12p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 42 S. 4th St., Lewisburg with the Rev. Judi A. Herrold, officiating. Feel free to wear bright colors, pastels and florals, as she loved them!

 Service Information