Claire D. Kanaley

Claire D. Kanaley, 99, passed away November 8, 2014, at The Oaks in Avon Park, FL.

Claire was born July 6, 1915, in Germany. Her father Karl Durst immigrated to America in 1923 and then in 1925 brought the rest of the family. They settled in Rochester, NY. She met her husband Harold Kanaley there and they were married October 27th 1934. They settled into their home on Maple St., Rochester, NY. It was there that they were blessed with their only child Robert Kanaley. Alongside her husband she worked independently taking her son along as she provided homemaking services for a local family for many years. Upon Harold's retirement as a union iron worker in 1980 she and Harold moved to Frostproof where they lived until his passing on December 19, 1997.
Claire was an avid swimmer having taught swimming aerobics to many in local pools as well as bicycling daily up until the age of 98. She was an excellent seamstress, making many of her own clothes, as well as anything else that could be sewn. Claire was active in the community as well as singing in the church choir at Sunray United Methodist Church, Frostproof, FL. Another achievement which she was extremely proud of was when she became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Preceded in death by her husband Harold F. Kanaley as well as her parents Karl & Klothlida Shilling Durst, siblings Karl Jr., Walter, Betty Guyette, Marie Esele and Pauline Panello.

She is survived by Robert Kanaley (Elaine), Brunswick, GA. She also leaves behind many close friends & neighbors who will greatly miss her love & friendship.

Those of us who are left behind do not mourn her passing but rejoice in knowing that Claire is now back with the one love of her life, Harold.

Memorial services will be held at the SunRay United Methodist Church, Frostproof, FL, Friday, November 14, 2014, @ 10:00a.m directed by Pastor Curtis Cain.

Arrangements are being handled by the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with burial at the Silver Hill Cemetery, Frostproof, FL.