Martina M. Claessens

Troy-Martina M. Claessens, age 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

She was born on February 18, 1946, in Amsterdam, NY, to the late Frederick and Catherine (O'Hara) Claessens. Tina was a graduate of Keveny Memorial Academy. She worked as a bookkeeper and later as a cleaner at RPI in Troy.

Tina will be remembered for her selflessness, compassion, and easygoing nature. In her younger years, she enjoyed walking and swimming, but nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years, she found joy in researching her family history on Ancestry and doting on her beloved cats.

She is survived by her son, Shaun (Kristen) Alderman, and her daughter, Michele (Gary Jackson) Phillips. She is also survived by her sister, Tonita (the late, Robert) Gagnon; her cherished grandchildren, Kathleen, Omelianna, Angel, Brandon, Treavor, Connor, Amaya, Nigeria, Jared, and Shaun Jr.; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Lucas, Grace, Santana, and Apollo.

In addition to her parents, Tina was predeceased and is now reunited with her beloved granddaughter, Niya.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A service will follow at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. In honor of Tina's memory, the family kindly asks that attendees wear her favorite color, purple.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tina's name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204.