Claire Jean Asterita was born on November 6, 1935, in Frankfort, New York, and passed peacefully into eternal rest on January 2, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Claire leaves behind a legacy not measured in material wealth, but in love, warmth, and light. Wherever she went, her presence lifted spirits and made hearts feel at home.

From her early years in upstate New York, Claire’s God-given creativity shone brightly. That gift shaped a life devoted to caring for others—most beautifully expressed through her home, her cooking, and her deep love for family. Every meal she prepared was an act of love, every gathering a celebration of togetherness. Her home was a place of welcome, joy, and peace.

Claire was the heart of her family. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially during holidays that became sacred traditions filled with laughter, gratitude, and love.

Through her cherished family cookbook and the memories she created, her spirit will continue to nourish generations to come. She is survived by her devoted husband, Anthony J. Asterita; her children, Anthony M. Asterita, Gladys Asterita, and Nilda Asterita; and her beloved grandchildren, Charisma Reyes, Charmay Reyes, Elizabeth Foley, and Bill Clark. She is reunited in heaven with her son, James Asterita; her daughter, Joeline Clark; and her parents, Giuseppe and Josephine Vaccaro.

Though we grieve her passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life. Claire’s love remains with us, her light continues to guide us, and her spirit lives on in every shared meal, every cherished tradition, and every heart she touched.