Claire Hillenbrand

Claire Hillenbrand (nee Pennington), age 88, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Richmond Hill, New York, Claire was one of three children of the late William and Helen Rose Pennington. She attended Richmond Hill High School, graduating with the class of 1954. She had the desire to go to college later in life and completed two years of education at Queens College.

Shortly after high school, she met the love of her life, William Hillenbrand. After a brief courtship, they were married on October 10, 1956 in Elkton, Maryland, the "elopement capital" of the United States.

Claire and William settled in Flushing, New York, where they raised a son and daughter: William "Billy" and Jane. Claire was a devoted mother and biggest cheerleader, attending every school, athletic, and childhood event she could. Claire worked as a crossing guard for P.S. 219, a bookkeeper for Martin Paints, and a bookkeeper for Garden World. After retirement, Claire moved to New Jersey to be closer to her daughter Jane.

In later years, Claire was active with the Totowa Seniors, Sisco Village friends, and St. Michael's friends in Wayne. She loved to swim, travel and watch her beloved New York Mets. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. As with her children, she would attend as many of her grandchildren's events as possible. She just loved spending time with them at family parties. Her sense of humor was a source of laughter at every gathering.

Claire was a devoted parishioner of St. John's Episcopal Church of Flushing, NY, Christ Episcopal Church of Totowa, NJ and lastly of St. Michael's Episcopal Church of Wayne, NJ.

Claire is survived by her two children: William "Billy" of Seymour, Tennessee and Jane and her husband Greg Gallo of Wayne, New Jersey, five grandchildren: Jack, Gregory, Peter, Massimo and Dante, her brother: Richard "Rick" and his wife MaryAnn, and her sister-in-law: Joan, and many nieces and nephews. Claire was predeceased by her husband William "Nat" (1988), and by her brother Errol (2024).

Claire will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, a loyal friend, and a woman of integrity, warmth, and wit. Her life was an example of kindness, and her memory will continue to guide those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Michael's Church, 1219 County Rd 504, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.