10 THE QUEENS COURIER • AUGUST 20, 2020 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
Claire Shulman through the years
BY QNS STAFF
editorial@qns.com
@QNS
Although she served as Queens borough
president for 16 years, Claire Shulman’s
political infl uence, civic engagement and
dedication to the borough lasted far longer.
On Sunday, Aug. 16, Shulman passed
away aft er battling lung and pancreatic
cancer. She was 94.
Shulman, the fi rst woman to be elected
Queens borough president, held the
postfrom 1986 until 2002, when she was
term-limited.
Th ese photos off er a glimpse into
Shulman’s life in public service.
QNS fi le photos
Mark Kupferberg
“Everyone remembers Claire as the
in-charge, get things done, visionary
leader with unlimited energy. What
amazed me about Claire was her
incredible ability to know when to ask
how you were. She sensed when you
needed help and she would do things
that seemed impossible to help make
it better. Claire’s caring and great sense
of humor was truly special and always
helped me. Th at’s why when I think of
Claire, I always smile.”
Rabbi Michael S. Miller
“I have known Claire Shulman, of
blessed memory, since January 1987
when she and Mel went on a Jewish
Community Relations Council of NY
(JCRC-NY) Mission to Israel which I led.
She stood out on the trip among many
other political personalities, as she did
throughout her life. Claire was the personifi
cation of the ancient dictum of the
great sage Hillel, two millennia ago, who
stated in Ethics of the Fathers: “If I’m not
for myself who will be for me? If I’m only
for myself what am I? If not now when?”
Claire fi rmly believed that now was the
time for everything and over her tenure
in Borough Hall she served her diverse
constituency by changing the landscape
of Queens. Her legacy continues through
her family and all of her abundant and
tangible achievements. May her soul be
bound up in the bond of eternal life.”
Wendy Phaff
“I got such a kick out of my time with
Claire. Who didn’t? I don’t know how I
got so lucky to fall into her good grace
and receive such treatment. She certainly
had enough people in her life
already, so the fact that she gave me
any of her time, was enough. I can’t
explain that sadness Jim and I are feeling
knowing she won’t be with us —
but I have a feeling, she won’t miss it.”
Janet & Heskel Elias
“Claire Shulman was a dear friend
for over 35 years. She was full of love,
understanding, and compassion. She
was very proud of her children and
grandchildren. She loved to tell stories
about their wonderful adventures and
accomplishments. Claire was a trailblazer
and truly paid attention to the
needs of her constituents and embodied
the true meaning of public service.
Claire has left a lasting imprint on the
history of the borough of Queens. Her
legacy will live on forever. We will truly
miss her.”
Margaret Honey
“I loved Claire Shulman. From the
moment we met, she felt intimate, familiar,
someone I had always known. Claire had
a non-negotiable commitment to use government
as a force for good, a value that
was deeply etched in my own upbringing.
She wanted the best for Queens – the
best theater, the best art museum, the best
botanical garden, and, of course, a worldclass
science center. We would not be possible,
were it not for Claire. When Claire
visited the Hall of Science, her eyes would
sparkle, her hands would slap her knees,
and she would say, ‘Oh how I wish I were
10 all over again.’”
Debra Markell Kleinert
“I am deeply saddened by the passing
of former Queens Borough President
Claire Shulman my friend and mentor.
Claire was a fi erce fi ghter Queens
she cared about our borough. Th is
news comes just days aft er the passing
of former Assemblymember Nettie
Mayersohn, another great lady. Claire
showed me how Queens politics and
good government should be. She
taught me how to be a good public servant.
Th ese two icons were friends and
both were special woman!! May these
two trailblazers Rest In Peace. I will
miss you, dear Claire. Your memory
will always be a blessing!”
Terry Sun
“Claire was a brilliant mentor, trailblazer
and an inspiration to so many,
including myself. When it came to work,
Claire always meant business and had
a no-nonsense attitude. But regardless
of what needed to be done, she always
cared and gave so much to those around
her. Every birthday or milestone was met
with a gift and a phone call. I will forever
cherish the past years working with her.
May her legacy live on with grace.”
Georgiana Reese-Benatti
“What a dynamo. I respected and
loved her as a woman, wife, mother,
friend and politician. Claire was also
kind and caring. I loved the way she
laughed. I will miss her very much.”
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