Albany - Claire Axelrod saw Nathan Fein when she was 13 and he was 18. She told her friends: "I'm going to marry that boy." And she did.

They danced and held hands and together went through very challenging and joyful times - for 53 years.

Claire Axelrod Fein passed away August 20th, 2023 in Tucson, AZ with her two daughters by her side, one week before her 90th birthday.

A uniquely independent, strong, ahead-of-her-time woman, mother and role model, she is survived by her daughters: Gayle Fein Petrillo of Tucson, AZ (Alan) and Ruth Fein Revell of Saratoga Springs, NY (Danny); sister, Sandra Axelrod of Los Angeles, CA; grandsons Zachary Wallens (Rachel) and Maxwell Wallens; granddaughter Lisa Mirabile (Joe); and great grandchildren.

Those wishing to remember Claire in a special way can make memorial contributions in her name to Arizona Burn Foundation or MPN Research Foundation.

A memorial service is being planned for the Fall and will be announced at a later date.