Obituary of Clara A. Abrantes

SPRAGUEVILLE – Clara Ada Abrantes, age 84, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Lewis County General Hospital under the loving care of her family and Lewis County Hospice. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Thursday, February 11th from 11:00 until 12:00 p.m. A funeral mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Stephen Rocker officiating. Interment will be in the Spragueville Cemetery. Clara was born on October 21, 1931 in Gouverneur to the late Elias and Dorothy (Worden) Shippee. She grew up in Spragueville where she attended the local school. Clara is married to James Abrantes, currently residing in Massena. Clara owned and operated a dog kennel, the Shih Tzu Inn, on Sylvia Lake for many years. She was an exceptional cook who loved to entertain family and friends. She was also an avid gardener who would tend her flowers from morning until night. Her survivors include six daughters and their husbands, Dianne and Daniel Soska, Kathryn and Vernon Petrovic, Deborah and Ralph Force, Mary and Steve Blow, Stephanie and Jay Allen, Julie and Michael Bresett; four sons and their spouses, Frank Moskal, Jr., Joseph and Lynn Moskal, James Jr. and Amanda Abrantes, and Antonio and Sarah Abrantes. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; three brothers, Leon, Michael and John Shippee; a sister, Jeannette White; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Clara is predeceased by a brother, Harry Shippee; and a sister, Gracie Loucks. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in memory of Clara may be made to the Pounds 4 Paws, PO Box 394 Gouverneur NY 13642 or St. Vincent DePaul Center, 164 E. Main St. Gouverneur NY 13642 or to Lewis County Hospice, 7785 N. State St., Lowville, NY 13367.