Claire Ina Crasnick, 81, of Steep Falls Maine, formerly of Portland, passed away on April 10. Born in Portland on August 8th, 1933, she lived with her parents, Sol and Dorothy Crasnick on Noyes Street in Portland. Her Father, a veteran of World War One, was a prominent advocate for veterans and worked at the Veterans Administration in Togus and for the Federal Government for 38 years. In 1990, her Mother’s passing brought her into loving the care of Katherine Tibbetts, with whom she has lived since then. Born at a time when few resources for children and adults with developmental disabilities were available, Dorothy and Sol had Claire with them always, so that she was part of the community. They were devoted to her and made every effort to enrich her life. She had a special affinity for children, especially babies, and kept track of every new child in the family. She asked after her Crasnick cousins and their offspring, enjoying stories of their growth and achievements. She truly loved her nephews and niece, displaying photos of them in her room at Kay’s farm. Before her advancing years kept her mostly at home, she was well known in Portland. She often introduced herself to strangers, asking them about themselves so that they responded with kindness. She is survived by her sister, Elaine Crasnick Kahaner and her brother-in-law, Harvey A. Kahaner of Manchester, CT and Old Orchard Beach, and their children and families: Steven Kahaner and Maria Prieto Kahaner, and sons, Adrian and Alejandro of Pelham, NY; Julie Kahaner Levin and Eric Levin, and sons, Marcus and Skylar of Needham, MA; and Frederick Kahaner of New York City. The family thanks the many people and programs that served and cared for Claire, including the workers at the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Project for Supported Living and the Veterans Adminstration. Infinite gratitude is extended to Kay Tibbetts and her staff. Kay was faithful and loving towards Claire for the past twenty-five years. She served as Claire’s guardian angel and protector and will forever be blessed by Elaine and her family. Funeral services will be held on Monday 11 AM, at the Jewish Funeral Home, 471 Deering Avenue, Portland, followed by burial at the Beth El Memorial Park. Shiva will be Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 PM at the home of her sister, 239 Ludlow Road, Manchester. Donations in Claire’s memory may be made to Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., Portland, ME 04103 or The Project for Supported Living, 20 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04166.
