Claire B. Hogue, of Lansdale, PA, died peacefully at Abington-Lansdale Hospital on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, following a stroke.
She was born in Atlantic City, NJ, on Oct. 19, 1925, to Alwilda and David Shottin. Claire grew up in Pleasantville, NJ, in a neighborhood full of aunts, uncles, and cousins. After graduating from Pleasantville High School, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse by earning an R.N. from Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing. Following her graduation, she accepted a position at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia as a pediatric nurse. She often reminisced about her years as a nurse, and the fun she had sharing an apartment over a Greek restaurant with fellow nurses who became life-long friends.
In 1951, Claire married John J. Hogue and moved to Lansdale, where they joined St. Stanislaus parish. She became a full-time homemaker, and they welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 1952. A son was born in 1957, followed by another daughter in 1960. Claire was an enthusiastic volunteer in the parish, joining the Altar and Rosary Society and serving a term as its president.
When her oldest daughter became a student at Lansdale Catholic High School, Claire took a part-time position in the cafeteria. After her children had all graduated, she continued to work at the high school, accepting a position in the Discipline Office. She enjoyed the camaraderie of her fellow staff and the teachers, and especially enjoyed her interactions with the students.
After retiring, she continued her friendship with many of the staff and teachers, meeting them regularly for lunches and movies. She was always happy to encounter former students, who would greet her fondly in malls and restaurants.
In 1998, Claire and John joyfully welcomed the birth of their grandson. They travelled frequently to Colorado for birthdays, Christmases, and graduations. She was a proud and loving grandmother, cherishing every moment with her grandson.
Claire is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Hogue of Boston, MA; her son, David Hogue and his wife, Dottie, of Newtown Square, PA; her daughter, Sue Zullo and her husband, Ron, and her grandson, Justin, of Greeley, CO.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, John.
Visitation will be held at St. Stanislaus Church on Saturday, Jan. 30th, at 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place at St. John Neumann’s Cemetery after the funeral Mass. Please contact Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home for more information.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to two of Claire’s favorite charities: Medical Mission Sisters, 8400 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19111; www.medicalmissionsisters.org The Oratory, St. Francis Xavier Church, 2319 Green Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19130; www.sfxoratory.org.