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Clare Gregorian Obituary

Gregorian, Clare
Carnegie Corporation of New York, its board of trustees and staff, mourn the death of Clare Russell Gregorian, a lifelong advocate and leader in education, literacy, and women's issues, and the wife of Corporation president Vartan Gregorian. She died on April 28, at home in New York City, surrounded by family, following a lengthy struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clare was 80 years old.

Clare was known for her wit, intellect, utter devotion to her family, and complete dedication to the institutions that she served alongside Vartan, including our philanthropic foundation. Clare shared the workload of her husband's senior appointments at three other distinguished institutions: University of Pennsylvania, The New York Public Library, and Brown University. The most significant part of her civic life was Clare's participation in high-level volunteer and leadership efforts.

Born in New York City, Clare Russell was the daughter of Faye (Rattenbury) and Henry E. Russell. She was educated at Dwight School for Girls in New Jersey and graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history. While at Stanford, Clare met fellow student Vartan, and in 1960 they were married, becoming an inseparable couple, sharing Andrew Carnegie's dedication to democracy and support for education and international peace. Together, they traveled extensively and lived in a number of locations abroad, including Lebanon. In the United States, they lived in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York. Wherever she went, Clare made an impact as a civic leader and indefatigable volunteer for meaningful causes and organizations.

Both formally and informally, Clare was active in several major political campaigns, and was an advocate and leader of numerous nonprofits, such as the Providence Public Library, Trinity Repertory Theater, Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDCO), the Branch Council of The New York Public Library, and Literacy Partners, where she taught literacy, raised significant funds for the organization, and rose to the role of president. In recognition, Literacy Partners created the Clare R. Gregorian Volunteer of the Year Award in 2002. Clare was also awarded the First R Award from Literacy Volunteers of New York City.

Clare was known for her successful campaign to create Rhode Island Public Radio and was named an honorary chair. She continued a longstanding commitment to Planned Parenthood, which recognized Clare's board service and fundraising efforts with the Gilman Angier Award, and established the Clare R. Gregorian Distinguished Lectureship. In 1997, the Brown University governing board awarded Clare an honorary degree for her singular contributions to the school, especially her activities on behalf of Brown parents and in building bridges with the local community.

The Gregorians returned to New York City when Vartan was appointed president of Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1997. Clare devoted herself to several new causes, including the New Victory Theater, the Guttmacher Institute, the Children of Armenia Fund, and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, while gracefully balancing many responsibilities in support of the Corporation, its staff, and the wider community.

Clare is survived by her husband and their three sons: Vahé Gregorian (wife, Cindy Billhartz); Raffi (wife, Olga Palinkasev); and Dareh (wife, Maggie Haberman). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Juan, Maximus, Sophie, Miri, and Dashiell. She will be remembered by her siblings Isaac, Gillian, and Felicity. Clare was predeceased by her sister Dorsa.

A private funeral will be held in Martha's Vineyard. A memorial service for family and friends of Clare will be held in New York City in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to causes that were dear to Clare: Rhode Island Public Radio, the branch libraries of The New York Public Library, Planned Parenthood, the Children of Armenia Fund, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, Brown University's International Scholars Program, the New Victory Theater, and Literacy Partners.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Apr. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Clare Gregorian

Sponsored by Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





Neilda Mott

February 22, 2019

Dear Vartan and family,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of Clare last year. I only found out today.

I met Clare for a few moments when you rented your Swarthmore house to us. We were moving from NY just as you were moving to my home state.

It is a testament to her vivacious and endearing spirit that 40 years later, I distinctly recall her warmth, her energy and her welcome to an African American family in a predominantly white community. I cannot imagine how you are all coping with the loss of such a giving soul.

Swarthmore was a good place for our children as I'm sure it had been for yours. Clare's spirit was a good gauge of how we would enjoy our 37 years in the borough.

I mourn her loss with you and your family.
Stokes and Neilda Mott
Stone Mtn, Ga

May 15, 2018

May God bless and comfort mourning ones as she R.I.P

Laura Freid

May 10, 2018

Dear Vartan and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Clare-- a wonderful and spirited friend who will be missed by all.
With great affection,
Laura Freid and David Gottesman

May 5, 2018

It is with a truly saddened heart that I offer my deepest condolences. May our Heavenly Father wrap you and your family in his blanket of comfort, warmth, and love. Please know that I am praying with you, and for you. Mat caring thoughts bring you and your family strength during this time of sadness. God's word the Bible gives us comfort in the words.."I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears..." 2 Kings 20:5

AC

May 3, 2018

Clare will be deeply missed by all those whose hearts were touched by her generous and giving spirit. God is good and merciful, he keep those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. Psalms 116:15.

Maria Hinojosa

May 2, 2018

To the Gregorian family: you are in my heart during this painful time. Clare was a magnificent woman who will live on through her mighty legacy as a mother, a leader, an advocate, and a friend.

Wishing you peace.

May 1, 2018

Vartan,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I have such warm memories of Clare , her wicked humor and love of you, her children and grand children. We shared some wonderful times.
Meredith Kaplan

May 1, 2018

All of the Kaplans send our love, and share your grief, and send our deepest, deepest sympathies.

Esther

Tom Berson

May 1, 2018

Much love, my friends. Thinking about you.

Rell

May 1, 2018

Deepest Sympathies. Psalms 29:11. May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time.

FTD® Heartfelt Condolences™ Arrangement

Jeffrey Trzeciak

Sent Flowers

April 30, 2018

May your memories of laughter and love be the treasures you keep forever in your heart. Our condolences, Shari and Jim Kerr

The FTD Treasured Memories Standing Spray

a loved one

Sent Flowers

JR

April 30, 2018

To the loving family and friends of Clare Gregorian sorry for your loss. Our loving God will fulfill his promise to bind up the broken-hearted Isaiah 61:1. May these words give you the comfort and strengh during this time of deep sorrow.

The FTD Eternal Friendship Bouquet

LaVerne Srinivasan

Sent Flowers

April 30, 2018

Dear Gregorian family, please accept my condolences on your loss.
Sincerely,
Alin K. Gregorian

R F

April 30, 2018

My condolence to the Gregorian Family for your great loss of Clare. May you be reassured of the promise that God will bring her back from her resting place "To days of youthful vigor" to be "Enlightened with the light of the living" for you to embrace again. May this bring you comfort, hope and peace. (Job 33:25,30)

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