Claire James Muench age 79, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away Wednesday August 12, 2009 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was born on June 17, 1930 at White Mills, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Bernard and Caroline Renken Rimlinger. Claire was a retired Sewing machine operator for Andmore Sportswear, Inc., Port Jervis. She is a member of St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Matamoras, Pa.; the I.L.G.W.U.; Matamoras Senior Citizens, and a life member of the Tri-States Naval Ship #7241, Ladies Auxiliary, Port Jervis. She was preceded in death by her first husband Gifford James and her second husband John Muench. Claire is survived by her son Neil James of Harpursville, NY, 2 stepdaughters, Janice Mons and her husband Brian of Naugatuck, Conn., Beth Pergola and her husband Dr. Richard Pergola of Orangeburg, NY; Her brother Henry Rimlinger and his wife Judy of Hawley, Pa.; 4 grandsons, 1 great grandson, 4 step-grandsons , 1 step-great grand daughter and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her son Dennis James, her brother Sgt. Lawrence Rimlinger and her sisters, Dolores Mitchell and Audrey Brundage.
Friends may call Monday August 17 from 10:30am to 12 noon at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Prayers will be offered at 12:15 on Monday at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm at St. Joseph's RC Church, Matamoras, Pa. with Rev. John Ryan as celebrant. The Ladies Auxiliary will conduct memorial services at 11:30 am on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will take place at St. John's Cemetery, Honesdale, Pa. with Rev. William J.P. Langan officiating. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.