Clara E. Van Doren

Clara E. Van Doren died November 20 th , 2022. Born April 2 nd , 1926 in Watertown, the
daughter of Jesse and Alice (Conger) Van Doren. She graduated from Chaumont High School in
1943 and received a BS and MS degree from Crane Department of Music, SUNY Potsdam, New
York.
Clara retired in 1980 after 33 years in the music department of Altmar – Parish –
Williamstown Central School
Miss Van Doren resided for 12 years in Altmar, New York where she was a pianist, choir
director, and member of the Altmar Parish Methodist Church. She moved to Parish, New York
where again she was choir director, substitute organist, and provided music for the Christian
Education at the Parish United Methodist Church. Miss Van Doren was the first to organize an
ecumenical Christmas choir and candlelight service at Parish Methodist Church.
In 1981, she returned home to Chaumont, NY where she was a substitute teacher at Lyme
Central School, a board member of the Cedar Grove Cemetery Association and a volunteer at the
Lyme Heritage Center. She was a faithful member of the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church and
their church organist for 18 years.
Miss Van Doren authored two books “The Stone and Brick Buildings” in the town of
Lyme, and “Point Salubrious 1802 – 2006” and she co-authored “Schermerhorn Park
Memories”. In addition to her writing, Clara enjoyed travel and photography. She was also an
avid sports fan.
Miss Van Doren is survived by a niece and several nephews, and many more grand
nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by herbrothers James and Kenneth.
A memorial service will be held May 6 th , 2023 at Three Mile Bay Methodist Church, Three Mile
Bay, NY.
A private burial will be held at the Old Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Van Doren Scholarship Fund, Lyme Central School,
Chaumont, NY 13622.
Arrangements are with Becker-Cleveland Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

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