Mrs. Claire Chababi

June 2, 1935 - May 9, 2017

Cortland, NY — Claire Chacra Chababi, 81, passed away peacefully at the Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. A long-time Cortland resident, Claire was born in Rayak, Lebanon in 1935 and immigrated to the United States in 1981. Claire is a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her family was the joy and pride of her life, as was evidenced by the sacrifices she made for them. With an open heart, she welcomed everyone into her home, feeding and caring for all. Claire also enjoyed gardening, knitting, spending quality time with friends and family, and admiring the beauty of God's natural creations. Claire was known for her beautiful smile, her contagious laughter, and her peaceful demeanor. She was a mother figure for many, not just her kin. Claire is survived by her six children, Samia (Dan) Wilson, Jamile (Joseph) Hage, Joseph (Mary) Chababi, Nabila (Nadim) Khazzaka, Fadia (Eli) Eid, and Habib (Cindy) Chababi; seventeen grandchildren, Emily, Mark, Ramona, Anise, Joël, Danny, Danielle, John, Natalie, Nadine, John, Amanda, Maya, Michelle, Joshua, Gemma, Malek; three great-grandchildren, Sofia, Giuseppe, and Giuliana, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters Josephine and Nouhad in Lebanon, Jeannette (Nahra) Hage in Cortland, and her brother George in Germany. Claire is predeceased by her husband John and her brothers Edward, Raymond, Joseph, and John. Claire's family members would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to the Alzheimer's Association, the Office for the Aging in Binghamton, Yesteryears in Binghamton and staff, Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and staff, and Caring Community Hospice for the support they provided to Claire in her last years. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13 at the Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon in St. Mary's Church, Cortland, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (441 W Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204;http://www.alz.org/centralnewyork/) and Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.