Clare Fitzgerald Sheils

H. Clare Fitzgerald Sheils of Scarsdale, NY, age 85, passed away on May 9, 2025 peacefully at her home. Born May 22, 1939 in New Rochelle, NY to Helen C. Fitzgerald and Edward J. Fitzgerald. Both of her parents were educators in the New Rochelle school district and her father was a decorated Marine who served in France during World War 1.

Clare graduated from New Rochelle HIgh School and attended Finch College in Manhattan. She worked for Dancer Fitzgerald Sample Advertising Agency which later merged into Saatchi & Saatchi.

She married Harold I. Sheils, Jr. best know as Hal on January 6th, 1968. Both were born and raised New Rochelleans, graduates of NRHS and shared a love of the water, first living on Pelham Road overlooking the harbor. Shortly before giving birth to their first child, Kate Fitzgerald Sheils, they moved to the North end of Eastchester/Scarsdale where they lived happily for over 50 years.

Clare was the consummate lady, always dressed beautifully with a huge smile and infectious laugh. She was a loving and devoted wife of 52 years to her husband Hal who adored her.

Clare was the best, most loving and selfless wife, mother and grandmother. There was not a class trip, tennis team (she started when IHM did not have one) or track meet that she did not attend for her daughter Kate growing up. She was the most involved and loving grandmother one could ever wish for and her relationship with her only grandson Jack was a beautiful gift to behold.

She was had a naturally talented singing voice and was a solo soprano, loved antiques and became an antique dealer as a hobby, teaching herself many things, loved all things blue and white, Pepsi and was a voracious reader who enjoyed frequenting the library.

Once her daughter Katie went off to college, Clare set out to find a job outside of the home and started working at the Rye Nature Center in Rye, NY, which was perfect as she loved both animals of all kinds and young children. She became an official CIty of Rye Employee with a career that spanned 30 years working in several roles - Rye Nature Center, Rye Golf Club, Rye City Hall finance department and finally Rye's Building Department at City Hall. Clare loved working with all of her colleagues and the citizens of Rye.

Clare is survived by her beloved daughter Kate F. Taubner and even more beloved grandson Jack F. Taubner of Rye, NY. Her sister Mary McMahon of South Carolina, Sister-in-law Marylou Sheils of DC, Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Peter and Kathy Sheils of Annapolis, MD. And many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many friends, neighbors and former colleagues.

She is predeceased by her husband Hal of 52 years, both of her parents and son in law Frank Taubner.

In lieu of flowers, her grandson and daughter hope to dedicate a bench in Rye in her memory for all to enjoy.

A funeral service will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8 Carman Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583. A graveside service will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 5 Bradhurst Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

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