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Claire E. Crosby

Claire E. Crosby, 98, died peacefully on March 26 in her home in Essex, surrounded by family. She was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Floyd and Ethyl Emmons.

Shortly after graduating from North Plainfield, New Jersey High School, she married Alfred R. Crosby in 1943. They raised three sons while living in Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Bernardsville, New Jersey, Kapellen, Belgium, and Rome, Italy, while Al managed projects for Exxon. After Al’s retirement, they moved to Haddam and finally, Essex, where they enjoyed sailing and were members of the Essex Yacht Club.

Claire started painting in the late '70s. She painted vibrant watercolors, showing her love of flowers, sea, sky, and islands. Impressions from her many trips to Maine, and the Caribbean, have influenced her work. Initially, she painted in an impressionistic style but grew into painting open forms with lovely rich colors and contrasting light areas.

While in New Jersey, Claire was a member of the Somerset Art Association. In Connecticut, she studied at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and was an elected artist to the Essex Art Association. She exhibited in several shows, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Claire enjoyed being with her family and friends. There were many parties on board their boats, as well as in the gardens of their homes. She enjoyed gardening and visiting her son in Vermont.

She is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Al, and sons, Gregory and David. Her oldest son, Brad and his wife, Linda of Rochester, Vermont, survive her, as well as her grandson, Matthew Crosby of Austin, Texas, along with his wife Rhyan and great-grandson Bryce. Her close friend of later years, Guy Liberatore, also predeceased her.

A private family burial will be held in Vermont. In lieu of flowers, Claire wanted donations to go to the Essex Art Association, PO Box 193, Essex, CT 06426, or to the Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex, CT 06426.