Saratoga Springs - Clara Alberta Staples Martin Behrens passed away peacefully Sunday, January 11, 2015 at her home. She was born July 21, 1919, in Pompton Plains, NJ, where she was raised and also raised her family. Clara also spent many years residing at Fort Myers Beach, FL. From the time she was a young girl, Clara was a Yankee fan and enjoyed watching many baseball games. She was a huge dog lover and spent some time raising cocker spaniels. Clara was also a collector. Many of her collections reflected the love she had for her family. She was predeceased by both of her husbands, Louis C. Behrens and Howard I. Martin; her parents James and Florence Staples; her brother Ed Staples; and her grandson Darryl Martin. Survivors include her daughter Carol A. Frantz (David); sons Howard (Buzz) I. Martin, Jr. (Jackie), and Richard D. Martin (Judy); sister Evelyn McGuckin; nephew Josh Bush (Sandy) and family; grandchildren Glen Martin, Karen Lyons, Kathy Weaver, Julie Ernst, Jacquelyn Martin, and Mike Martin; and great-grandchildren Nicholas and Garret Martin, Kate and Alison Ernst, Trevor Weidegreen, Kelsey Weaver, and Mike Martin, Jr. Clara had been under great care of Saratoga Community Hospice for one and a half years while battling congestive heart disease. Her family is grateful for the excellent aid provided by all of her caregivers. Donations may be made in her name to Saratoga Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 and/or your local animal shelter. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. (518) 584-5373) Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.