Clara M Wahlberg

Clara S. Wahlberg, 89, of Guilford passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on November 30, 2018. Clara was born in Norwich on May 18, 1929, the daughter of John and Ethel (Follett) Supensky. She graduated from Norwich High School (Class of 1947), and in later years, was one of the lead organizers of her class reunions.

Clara was particularly proud of sustaining her career even as she became a wife and mother. For 41 years, she served as an Executive Secretary, working eight years as Secretary to the Chenango County Director of Veteran’s Services and 33 years as Secretary to the Administrator of the New York State Veteran’s Home in Oxford.

In 1953, she married Harold “Lefty” Wahlberg and began her life on the Wahlberg farm in Guilford where she and Lefty built a house together and raised their two daughters, Wendy and Holly. Clara and Lefty especially enjoyed trips to Saratoga, summer evenings on the patio, shooting pool with friends and family, and caring for their three Great Danes: Lyric, Tiger, and Johann.

When Lefty died in 1990 while holding the office of Guilford Town Supervisor, Clara took up her husband’s dream of creating a thriving Guilford community center. For two decades, Clara was a tireless volunteer at Guilford’s Klee House Community Center. As the Klee House Board President for 14 years, Clara could be found doing everything from writing grants and charming politicians to booking the zoomobile, organizing an art show or planning her favorite event, Guilford’s “Country Christmas” party. To honor her dedication, Clara was named Guilford’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2007.

Clara was also a life member, Trustee, and Treasurer of the Guilford Historical Society and served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the North Guilford Pioneer Cemetery for 32 years. In 2000, Clara received the Land Stewardship Award from the Chenango Land Trust for her tremendous commitment to protecting the woods and meadows of the Wahlberg farm including the preservation of one of the most beautiful views in Chenango County.

Although Clara was a passionate supporter of many environmental causes and wildlife conservation efforts, it was her own beautiful gardens and beloved home that brought her the deepest contentment of all.

Clara was predeceased by her husband Lefty Wahlberg and her brother Lee Supensky. Clara is survived by her daughter Wendy Wahlberg and Wendy’s partner, Jeff Hassenfeld, of Selkirk, and her daughter Holly Wahlberg and Holly’s husband, Kevin Cleary, of Poughkeepsie. Clara is also survived by nephews Eric, Victor, Mark, and Bob (Alex) Wahlberg, niece Ginny Wahlberg Smith, and nephews Link, Lee A., and Lex Supensky. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Clara’s caregivers, Vicki, Emily, and Louise.

In keeping with Clara’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Burial will take place in the spring at the North Guilford Pioneer Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Klee House, P.O. Box 221, Guilford, NY 13780, or The Nature Conservancy at their online Memorial Gifts link, or by mail to: Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.