Obituary for CLARA E. FAHNESTOCK

Clara Elizabeth Raithel Fahnestock, 102, of Apollo, Pa., passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at West Haven Nursing Home in Apollo, Pa.

She was born on Sunday, May 9, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of the late Samuel and Clara Margaret Ley Raithel.  As a” life-long Lutheran” she was active in all phases of church work and was also church secretary of Advent Lutheran Church in Penn Hills for 27 years. Clara was a dedicated volunteer at the Highland Drive V.A. Medical Center for over 15 years, and a member of the V.A. Symphony and Chorus as a second chair violinist. This group met annually every Veterans Day in Washington, D.C. at Constitution Hall for a Veterans Day concert. They would then travel overseas to perform concerts in over 20 different Countries, including France, China, and Russia. At age 98 she was still doing solo work at her church. She enjoyed needlework, crossword puzzles, and sewing. She is survived by her daughter in law Sharon Fahnestock of Apollo, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; John Wesley Fahnestock , her children; Howard S., Wayne J. and John  W. Fahnestock and a sister; Margaret V. Davis.

Family will receive friends for a viewing  on Monday November 21, 2022 at the First  Lutheran Church, 214 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Apollo, Pa 15613 from 10:00am until time of Services at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Phil  Ramstad will officiate. Interment will follow in Allegheny Cemetery, Lawrenceville, Pa. In Lieu of flowers family suggests memorial contributions be made in Clara’s name to the First Lutheran Church in Apollo, or the ALS Foundation.