Clare I. Lester, 70, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at Berkshire Medical Center on April 7, 2015 after an illness. Born in Great Barrington, MA on March 22, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Ina Reed Lester. She lovingly cared for her mother at home for many years before her death. Clare graduated from the former Searles High School in Great Barrington. Clare worked at the former Sears Catalogue store in Great Barrington, United States Fidelity & Guaranty Insurance Company and Schaefer-Eaton in Pittsfield. Most recently she was employed at Kaybee Toys in the Information Systems department, where she retired from in 2005. Clare was an animal lover and recently she was the devoted caregiver to Rodney the dog at Rosewood. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed music, making hand-hooked rugs, and doing puzzles. Clare had a healthy sense of humor and loved to laugh, which is a gift she always shared with those around her. She leaves behind several cousins, including Daniel Blakeney of Pittsfield, MA, Gail Ranzoni of Sheffield, MA, and extended family including Angela Ranzoni & Will Gayer of Maryland, Ginni Ranzoni, Cliff Godfrey, and Evan Sheridan of Lanesboro, MA and Robyn, Mike and Makayla Hoy of Colorado. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in Clare's memory to the Berkshire Humane Society, where she adopted her last beloved cat Ginger, through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to her family through www.finnertyandstevens.com
