Shalla Clapp

February 22, 1944 - September 24, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shalla Clapp, age 81, on September 24, 2025. Shalla passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Great Neck, New York to Samuel R. Ross and Eileen C. McDermott Ross, February 22, 1944, Shalla was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Shalla attended nursing school in St. Louis after graduating from Great Neck High School South. Shalla’s college career ended before she received her degree, when she returned to New York, as she could not bear being separated from the love of her life and soon to be husband Jimmy Clapp. The two eloped in January of 1964, followed by a more formal wedding in the Catholic Church in May of the same year. Recently celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary does show true testament to their love and devotion for each other. Shalla and Jimmy began a family not long after in Levittown, New York, and in 1969 they moved to New City, New York where they would live and raise their family.

Shalla had a successful and promising career with American Airlines after settling in Levittown, but in 1967 her main commitment and occupation became that of homemaker. As her children grew, Shalla did not lose sight of her commitment to her family, but was afforded the time to branch out and pursue additional endeavors. Shalla and her dear and lifelong friend Diane Basile started a company called Distinctive Creations. Hosting parties in peoples homes, they would take orders for custom painted plaques, mirrors, statuary art, etc; then spend half their nights painting, while talking on the phone with each other. As times changed, Shalla assisted Jimmy in managing the family bars in Astoria, Queens. Though there were many challenges with the businesses, this was a special time in their lives where they were very active and social, and were able to spend a lot of time with each other. When the bars were sold, Shalla became an integral part of the Tappan Dental office, where she worked for 35 years. Shalla regarded her coworkers as family and looked forward to going into work each day. Retiring this past August of 2025 was bittersweet.

Shalla’s main focus in life was always her family, fostering an atmosphere for loving, lifelong relationships between her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Shalla was an avid gardener, and longtime active member of the Clarkstown Gardening Club. Shalla loved birds, and would feed them to attract them to the back deck of the house where they could be seen from the kitchen and family room.

Shalla is survived by her husband Jimmy Clapp, her sisters Karen Policastro and Debbie (Bob) Cappellano, children Danny (Melissa), Brian (Theresa), Garrett (Beth), and Eileen (Leo) Begnoche; her grandchildren Daniel, Madison, and James Clapp; Maggie, Liam, Sean, Kieran, and Catherine Clapp; Shalla, Martina, Buddy, and Nora Begnoche; her niece Lisa Policastro, and many cousins. Shalla is predeceased by her sister Patty Ann Ross and nephew Anthony Policastro.

The family will be welcoming friends and relatives at Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main Street, New City, New York 10956 on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 3-7 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi´s Church, 128 Parrott Road, West Nyack, New York 10994.