Claire Eileen Ders

Claire Eileen Ders, 68, of South Otselic, passed away on Tuesday October 23, 2018, at her residence with her loving family by her side. Born on March 1, 1950, in Tarrytown, NY, Claire was the daughter of Stanley T. and Gertrude A. (Neilan) Titcomb, and one of their nine children.

Claire was the first Titcomb to be allowed to ride on a motorcycle and to obtain a motorcycle license. In high school, she was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and reached the rank of lieutenant, and received her pilot’s license.

In 1972, Claire earned her bachelor of science degree in Forest Biology from Syracuse University and a degree in forest biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. After college, she traveled throughout the U.S. for two years with her husband, John R. Ders, who survives.

Claire was absolutely thrilled to venture outdoors. She participated in winter survival training and was a part of several search and rescue activities. Claire was a member of the Bullthistle Hiking Club, led hikes on numerous Finger Lakes trails, performed trail maintenance, and twice completed the Wegman’s Hit the Trails Passport Program. She also completed the Adirondack Fire Towers Challenge and the Fulton Chain Hiking Trifecta. Claire completed numerous kayak and canoe races and even built her own wooden kayak. She rode in the Five Borough Bike tour several times, ran the half-marathon in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and ran many 5K races in the central New York area. Claire also served as the support crew for her husband for 20 years for various Adirondack races, the Yukon River Quest, the General Clinton Kayak and Canoe race, and many other outdoor events. She also raised sheep and alpaca for wool, and earned many awards for the quality of her alpaca fleece.

In addition to these activities, Claire served 15 years as a Postmaster Relief in Chenango County and then ten years as Postmaster in the South Otselic Post Office. She also managed the Northwest Corners Bed & Breakfast for 13 years.

In addition to her husband, John, Claire is survived by four sisters Thayer, Mary, Nancy, and Lisa, and three brothers Steve, Jack, and David. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Kenneth.

A gathering of family and friends to share memories of Claire will occur at a later date. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Rye, NY.

Contributions in memory of Claire may be made to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.