Obituary of Claudia V. Insognia

Claudia V. Insognia, age 81, of Gloversville, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam, NY with her family at her side. She was born May 20, 1943, in Gloversville, and is the daughter of Raymond and Justine (Ondriska) Van Auken Sr. 

Claudia spent her early career working at the former Decca/MCA Records Plant in Gloversville, and the Fulton County Infirmary while raising a family. After several years in the workforce, Claudia decided to pursue her love and passion for antiques. She became self-employed and immersed herself in the Antique circuit, making many friends along the way. Her journey culminated in starting her own business, "Granny’s This n That", a thriving House & Estate Sale business. Claudia’s signature pink signs and warm greeting, "Looking forward to seeing you all," was recognized by all who attended her sales regularly.

Outside of work, Claudia was an avid traveler and loved to take adventurous road trips and vacations with her family. She enjoyed visiting family, meeting new people and having the experience of new places and events. As a mom, her joy was to ensure that each trip was well organized with plenty of snack foods and drinks, but above all else, just pure, good family fun. Claudia had a free spirit and a generous, genuine, kind soul. She was full of laughter, with an infectious smile for all. She loved people with lots of positive energy, engaging them in fun pastimes like picnicking, outings to shows or amusement parks, or relaxing with slot machines or scratching lottery tickets in some quiet corner. 

Claudia’s deep devotion and faith in God was unwavering, sustaining her even in times of struggle. She would often say, “God has been so good to me”. If you knew Claudia and felt her love for you, then you knew God’s love. God is love and she freely shared that love, as God worked through her and in her for all to know what unconditional love is. Claudia was a true servant of God.

Claudia is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Robert J. Insognia Sr; two sons, Patrick R. Insognia (Sandra Brower) and Robert J. Insognia Jr. (Wendy Arraiz); two sisters, Delores Kulczycki and Sandra Faville (Lester); a sister-in-law, Nancy Van Auken; two granddaughters, Danielle Arraiz Spaulding (Gregg) and Jennifer Alisha Arraiz; four great-grandchildren, Peyton and Sophia Spaulding, Natalie and Nina Parker; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Claudia was predeceased by two brothers, Richard Ruzicka and Raymond “Butch” Edward Van Auken Jr.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 11 am to 12 noon, Thursday, June 27th at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 153 S. Main St., Gloversville, where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow promptly at 12 noon with the Reverend Matthew Wetsel officiating. 

(Join Zoom Meeting Link) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7407372043?pwd=bGRyVk1pd1VoRFlIQ1QyaDFwMHpQUT09&omn=87625288051

Meeting ID: 740 737 2043

Passcode: MBW313

Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Church of the Holy Spirit or the American Cancer Society. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, Gloversville. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com