Claire Roeder-Cummings

Claire Roeder-Cummings , 87

Claire Roeder, 87, the daughter of Keith and Laura Jollie, of Audubon, NJ, passed away peacefully January 16, 2016 at Francis House. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 40 years, Carl (Bob) Roeder. She is survived by her daughter Jayne Hilsinger, sons Tom (Judy) Roeder, David (Marlene) Roeder, who live in the Syracuse area, and Michael Roeder (partner Danny Thomas) residents of Tampa, Florida. Claire became a widow again with the passing of her beloved second husband Ed. She was extremely close to Ed's children: Cheryl (deceased), Ron (Nancy) Cummings, Elinor (Jerry) Merrill, Tracy Boynton. With the blending of these families, Claire's dimpled smile lit up the faces of more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Claire was born in Audubon, New Jersey; and often returned there to visit family. She especially loved her yearly visits to the Jersey Shore. She and her first husband Carl (Bob) enjoyed camping and bowling. Friends and family loved to watch Claire and Carl "cutting a rug" (jitterbugging). Carl passed away in 1988.

Claire moved to the Syracuse area during WW2. She and Bob moved to Mattydale, at the close of the war, where the family attended Calvary United Methodist Church. Claire was Dr. Pearlman's dental assistant for twenty years. She also worked at the Roxboro Road Elementary School Cafeteria, and later facilitated surveys and focus groups for Marian Simon. She was also active in the Salina Seniors in her later years, enjoying close friendships there.

Claire married Ed Cummings in 1992. She loved her time in the car with Ed, driving thousands of miles around the country, visiting National Parks, and helping friends and family. Ed's handyman skills added new charm to the home and some extra cash (stored in his sock) for these road trips.

Claire's family was the main focus of her life. She attended countless concerts, ball games, picnics, birthday parties, graduations, and weddings supporting the ones she loved so much. She was the quintessential cheerleader ("Ya done good!"). She will be keenly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at 11:00 at Grace Baptist Church in Pennellville, NY; with short calling hours preceding the service at 10:00.

The family is thankful for the loving care given to Claire during her final weeks on earth. Please remember Claire through a financial gift to Francis House at: 108 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208.