Clare Miller, 79, of Chester, New Jersey, passed away on March 16, 2026. Born on October 23, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, Clare was the beloved daughter of Mildred and Morris Smolensky.
Clare spent her early years growing up in Brooklyn before moving with her family to Clifton, New Jersey, where she attended Clifton High School. She went on to pursue her passion for education at William Paterson University, later earning an additional degree in Special Education from Kean University.
Clare dedicated her career to teaching and supporting students with special needs. She worked for the Union County Educational Services Commission and later served as a teacher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
Clare was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Gerald, and her brother, Cary. She is survived by her loving daughters, Francine (Larry), and Marla (Michael). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Sophie, Kayla, Brooke, Sam, Jack, and Molly. Clare is also survived by her nephews, Michael (Lexi) and their daughter Ava, and Mitchell (Chelsey) and their daughter Ellie.
Donations may be made in Clare's memory to LifeTown in Livingston, New Jersey: www.lifetown.com.
A 1PM Graveside will be held Thursday March 19th at New Mount Zion Cemetery, 153 Orient Wy, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071. Please meet at the cemetery's office at 12:30 PM and the foreman will escort us as a funeral procession to the grave at 1PM.
