Clara M. Sanzo

Defreestville- Clara Sanzo, 89, passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on Thursday, June 24th, 2021 surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Born in Valatie, NY, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Margaret Johnson. Clara married the love of her life, Felix Sanzo, on January 12, 1952 and resided in Schodack Landing until moving into their permanent residence in Defreestville, NY. Clara and her late husband together raised three children. Aside from raising her children, Clara enjoyed bowling, playing cards with friends and family, pop warner football and cheerleading of which she was president of East Greenbush pop warner cheerleaders for a time. She was also an avid Yankees and Giants fan. Clara also adored spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her family. She enjoyed her flower gardens and traveling as well. Survivors include her brother Norman Johnson; her daughters Susan Sanzo, Judy (Rick) Lemire; her son Philip Sanzo; grandchildren Natasha (Don) Rugenstein, Megan Sanzo, Phylicia Sanzo, Tyler (Meghan) Lemire, Aaron Lemire; great grandchildren Donovan, Neville, and Calvin; as well as many nieces and nephews. Clara was predeceased by her parents Raymond and Margaret Johnson; her brothers Larry, Robert, Malcolm, Nate, Clifford, and Martin; her sister Gloriana; her husband Felix Sanzo; and daughter-in-law Denise Sanzo. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, June 29th from 4 PM to 6:30 PM with a service at 6:30 PM in the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. Burial will be Friday, July 2, in New Rural Cemetery, Third Avenue Ext. Rensselaer at 10 AM. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Clara’s name to either The Eddy Visiting Nurse and Rehab Assoc. or St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation and mail to 310 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.