Joyce A. Clapper

Mrs. Joyce A. Clapper, 85, of West Fulton Road, died Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with her family at her side. Born March 28, 1924, in West Fulton, she was an only child of Gordon and Kate (Shaver) Swart. Mrs. Clapper was a 1941 graduate of Middleburgh Central School. On April 14, 1946, her uncle, Rev. George Swart, performed the ceremony of her marriage to Harry J. Clapper in Alplaus, NY. Her former employment was at Van Deusen Dress Factory in Cobleskill. She served as tax collector for the Town of Fulton and an assistant mail carrier. She was also a member of the board of elections in the Town of Fulton for many years. Mrs. Clapper was an active member of the West Fulton United Methodist Church, holding several church offices, organizing and working on fundraisers, as well as participating in many church activities. She was a member of the Home Demonstration and was an active member of the Middleburgh Central School Parent Teachers Association while her children were in school. Her volunteer work consisted of church and firemen's fundraisers, along with school bake sales. Mrs. Clapper enjoyed sewing, cooking and baking in her spare time. Joyce was always willing to help any organization or individual where she saw a need. This included child care, transportation, shopping and providing meals. Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Harry J. Clapper; two sons, Carl H. Clapper and Kenneth L. (Fay) Clapper, all of West Fulton; her daughter, Margie L. (Don) Carney of Harleysville, PA; and two grandchildren, Bridget L. Carney and Alexander J. Carney. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2009, at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill. Officiating will be Rev. Neil Irwin of the West Fulton United Methodist Church. Friends are also invited to a period of visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Breakabeen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Fulton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 41, West Fulton, NY 12194, or Fox Chase Cancer Center, attention: Lisa Emgushov, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111. On-line condolences and additional information are available at www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com