Rasela Clain

Rasela (Shelly) Clain nee “Schachter”, a longtime resident of Flushing, Queens, passed away on April 17, 2022, at the age of 96. She was born in Podu-Turcului, in the Moldova region of Romania, during the reign of King Ferdinand, came of age during the fascist rule of the Iron Guard and spent much of her life under a Communist regime. She graduated from the University of Bucharest, where she studied literature and met her future husband of 67 years, Max. Married in Bucharest in 1950, Max and Shelly had one son, Iulius. They applied to emigrate to Israel when Iulius was born and were finally allowed to leave the country in 1970. Two years later, they immigrated again, to the US, becoming American citizens in 1979.

Rasela and her family settled in Flushing, Queens, where she lived in the same apartment for the last 50 years of her life. She loved animals, opera, fashion and Jeopardy, but most of all she loved being with and taking care of her growing family. She was always ready with a kind word, a piece of advice and a slice of homemade coffeecake. 

Rasela will be missed by her son Michael (Catherine Draper) and her grandchildren Elizabeth (John Ridyard), David and Jesse (Marlee Burns). She is also survived by her sister, Surica Aizic, and her niece Batia. She is predeceased by her husband Max, her brother Arie and her nephew Yakov.