Margaret R. Clapper

Margaret R. Clapper, age 84, of Tribes Hill, passed away peacefully, Saturday, January 17, 2009 at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam. She was born in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada on September 1, 1925 the youngest of 14 children of the late Robert and Ellen Gibson. Her family moved to Amsterdam when she was a young child and she received her education at St. Mary's Institute. She spent most of her life a resident of Tribes Hill. In her later years she resided at the Sarah Jane Sanford Home for Women. On October 13, 1945 she was united in marriage to Carl W. Clapper. That union lasted over 50 years until his passing on April 13, 1999. Margaret and Carl cherished their family and family events. They also enjoyed spending the winter months in their home in Punta Gorda, Florida. She retired from General Electric in 1987 and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tribes Hill. Her loving family includes her children, Frances Harrison Murphy of Hemlock, NY and Mary Carl Leo of Amsterdam; two grandchildren, US Army Major Jeffrey Tricia Murphy of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and Andrea Leo of Hopewell Junction, NY; two great grandchildren, Rio Majors and Kenneth Demorh; several nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 11 o'clock at Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill with Fr. Patrick Gallagher, OFM Conv. officiating. A recpetion will follow for family and friends at Rolling Hills Cournty Club. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sarah Jane Sanford Home for Women, Activities Fund, 69 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.