Queens Gazette

‘She Was A Queens Legend’


Photo Walter Karling

Photo Walter Karling

Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman passed away over the weekend, at the age of 94. She had been battling lung and pancreatic cancer, but the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. Shulman was the first woman Queens borough president, and served from 1986 until 2002.

Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman passed away Sunday, August 16, at the age of 94. She had been battling lung and pancreatic cancer, but the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. Shulman was the first woman Queens borough president, and served from 1986 until 2002, when she was term-limited. It’s universally agreed that she empowered Queens like no other. She spent her last moments at home, surrounded by her children.

The following issued statements about the passing of former Queens Borough President Shulman:

Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee: “Claire Shulman was larger than life,” said Borough President Lee. “She did not waste time, and lived every single minute fully and with purpose. In a borough known for its trailblazers, few have led a life of dedicated public service as robust and as effective as Claire Shulman. You just couldn’t say no to Claire Shulman. She transformed the landscape of the City’s largest borough, and so much of what we see and enjoy today are the result of her extraordinary vision and decisions made over 18 years ago. No one loved Queens more than Claire Shulman, and in turn, she was widely respected and deeply loved.

Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. Photo Walter Karling

Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. Photo Walter Karling

“Unexpectedly thrust into the role of Borough President at a time of crisis and great uncertainty, Claire Shulman — an activist at heart and by nature — shepherded Queens for more than 16 years with grace, humility and an unrivaled determination to build a better borough for the families who call it home. I will personally miss her counsel and steady voice of reason, especially this year. The Borough of Queens salutes Claire Shulman, and our thoughts are with her children and extended family tonight.”

The Office of the Queens Borough President will host a special tribute in the coming days to honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Claire Shulman. Details to come.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz: “I am extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Claire Shulman. I had the pleasure of working for Claire when she was the Queens Borough President – the first woman to hold the post. She was a trailblazer; a fierce leader who dedicated her life to bettering the lives of all Queens residents, and paved the way for women leaders in the borough.

“I was honored to follow in her footsteps as Queens Borough President and owe her a great debt of gratitude for her amazing leadership and profound dedication to public service. Claire was absolutely pivotal to the vibrancy and prosperity of Queens County that we continue to enjoy today.

“My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones as we mourn her passing and celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to bettering the lives of all Queens residents. May she forever rest in peace.”

US Rep. Grace Meng: “I am devastated about the passing of Claire Shulman. A great friend, mentor, and role model, she was an incredible woman and a political icon who, during her time as Borough President, was the embodiment of Queens.

“Claire absolutely loved the borough that she led for 16 years, and she never stopped fighting for its residents. She made so many contributions – way too many to mention – that had tremendous and long-lasting impacts on the lives of countless individuals, and she continued working to improve the borough well beyond her service as Borough President.

“Claire believed strongly in empowering women and pushing for more women in leadership positions, particularly in public service, way before it was popular to do so. She always believed in me, encouraged me, and set high standards that I strove to achieve.

“Queens is a better place, thanks to Claire Shulman, and I and so many owe her an immense debt of gratitude for everything that she did for our borough. I will forever be in her debt for all the help, advice and encouragement that she provided to me.

“I spoke with Claire recently and the last thing she said to me was ‘I want to thank you for your excellent work in Washington and tell you how proud I am of you.’ There is no way to describe how much that meant to me. I am so proud and fortunate to have known her, and I will always hold on to those words.

“I will never stop treasuring the close relationship we had, and the special bond we shared. I will always cherish the memories I have with her, and although she will deeply be missed, her work and legacy will continue to carry on.

“At this difficult time, I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

The Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech: “This weekend, Queens lost an iconic public servant in former Borough President Claire Shulman. Claire was a trailblazer as Queens’ first female Borough President and an integral part of civic life in our borough. When you look around Queens and see the revitalization of neighborhoods like Jamaica, Long Island City and Flushing, you see the product of Claire’s hard work and vision. She was a Queens legend who has shaped our borough for generations to come.

“I will personally miss seeing Claire at Queens Chamber events – she remained a tireless advocate for Queens’ business community long after leaving public office. The thoughts of everyone at the Chamber are with Claire’s family.”

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