Claire Frances Hanavan

Claire Frances Hanavan, of Wilmington DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter on January 25th, 2021. Born in Huntington, Long Island, she was the daughter of Catherine and Charles L. Huisking. A Marymount College graduate, Claire came to Wilmington in 1955, when she married her beloved Taylor Hanavan. There she raised seven children and was an involved mother and volunteer in all their schools.

A devout Catholic, Claire was a member of Saint Joseph on the Brandywine, where she volunteered her talents in any way she could and her 7:30 mass group was an important part of her life. She was an early board member of Catholic Charities, a volunteer at Birthright, Emanuel Dining Hall and Jeanne Jugan House.
Claire’s profound hearing loss at a young age shaped her life but her determination to stay a productive part of the world was well known. Always a fighter, she stood up for her Catholic beliefs and was a firm pro-life supporter.

Claire’s love of family was paramount. Indian Meadows Farm, Claire and Taylor’s beloved family gathering place in Northfield Massachusetts, was the setting of many happy hikes up Papa’s Mountain, cook-outs in the potato field, canoeing in the beaver pond, hunting for Indian arrow heads, horseback riding, swimming and skiing.

Her love of antiques and talented decorating skills was evident to anyone who stepped foot in her home. This prompted her to open her small antique business, the Indian Meadows Shop. As an artist, she studied under Jeanette Edwards and eventually the Barnes Foundation. Claire guided at Winterthur for many years and was a specialist in Chinese porcelain.

Although she could not hear, Claire loved music and enjoyed playing the piano by ear. Listening to her playing carols and songs to her great-grandson Max was a touching experience.

Claire is survived by her sister Jean Steinschneider, her 7 children, Clairmarie Field (Bob), Bill Hanavan (Ursula), Marybeth Hanavan, Julianne Hanavan (Peter), Maura Cook (Tim), Jean Kelly (Chris) and Amy Rose, 24 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Taylor W. Hanavan.

Truly a renaissance woman, she will be dearly missed by many.

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Funeral Services

Funeral arrangements will be conducted in compliance with Covid-19 regulations, which require mandatory face masks and social distancing. Viewing will be held on Thursday January 28th from 6 to 8 PM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine – Greenville, DE at 10:30 AM on Friday January 29th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of Claire Hanavan to The Little Sisters of the Poor of Delaware or Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church.

For those wishing to join us virtually, we ask that you join us at:

Condolences

Bob Field

01/25/2021 10:42 pm

Nadine Elkhatib lit a candle and writes,

So sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences, may god give your family Strength snd patience through this difficult time. May her soul Rest In Peace.

01/26/2021 11:25 am

Linda Hackendorn lit a candle and writes,

To all of the family, I send my deepest sympathy in this time of grief that you are feeling. I have thought about Claire & all of you often since I left. Certain things would come up & I would always say, "reminds me of the time " or "that reminds me of Claire Hanavan." My memories of all of you will stay with me .. Again Bless you & your families at this sorrowful time. Cordially , Linda Hackendorn

01/26/2021 12:29 pm

Julia M lit a candle and writes,

My deepest sympathies to you all. I have very fond memories of visiting in Wilmintgon. Love, Julia

01/26/2021 05:50 pm

Rita Wilkins writes,

Clair and Bob, Please know that you are in my prayers at daily Mass. I would have loved to known your Mom, she sounds like she was an amzing woman and led such an interesting life. God bless you all. Rita

01/27/2021 10:34 am

Danielle & Kevin Sullivan writes,

Regards to Claire, Bob and the whole family. An artist, lover of the outdoors and fantastic mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Please remember the good times like hikes on Papa's Mountain. All the best.

01/27/2021 05:54 pm

Amy Wenditz writes,

I never knew Claire personally, but I feel that I have come to know her through my friendship with her daughter, Amy Rose. As a friend from afar and believer n Christ, I offer my deepest condolences to Amy and her family. I will remember Claire, Amy, and other family in my prayers.

01/28/2021 11:20 am

Stuart Rumsey lit a candle and writes,

When I reflect on Mrs. Hanavan – I cannot bring myself to call her Claire, though I doubt she would ever have objected had I done so, at least not directly. From the mid to late 1970’s, I had obtained a court side seat, where I was often able to serve as fan/participant, in the high energy, well-orchestrated, household where each day concluded, like clockwork, with the placement of the breakfast dishes for the next day. Through it all, I was always warmly welcomed, by Mr. and Mrs. H., and was fortunate to be included in wonderful excursions with the family all over and notably to Northfield and Broadway (including tea at the Plaza!), almost always in the famous Hannah-van. Fortunate indeed as I was literally from the “other side of the tracks,” I was regarded very nicely by Mrs. H. with a soft laugh and always a knowing smile. I never once heard her raise her voice – she didn’t need to -- which is truly impressive as this deftly managed operation included seven children, a Springer Spaniel, and a “worldly pig!” These were certainly good years, but I am most moved by whatever strength she (always) displayed to also endure the untimely death of her husband - the estimable Mr. Hanavan, and unimaginable (to me) decades of negligible hearing, as her family continued to grow and expand. A lot of strength contained in such a slight frame – I must conclude coming from a place of absolute unshakeable Faith! And as she seeks out her well-deserved rest, I am sure she is heartened by leaving behind a marvelous family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, many of whom I know well, and all of whom honor her every day. God Bless you, Mrs. Hanavan!

01/28/2021 11:37 am

Kathy Ford Beers writes,

Dear Hanavan grown kids, I have fond memories of the play times we had at your WIlmington home by the reservoir. My mom and dad were dear friends of your parents, with DuPont bringing them together- in 1955. Our mom, Doris Ford, passed into glory on November 28, 2020 due to covid at Foulk Manor South. I regret we could not be with her- it happened so quickly. But I know the Lord was with her. Dad, Walter Ford, passed on in August of 2018. I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing but very glad you could be with her. My mom and your mom were dear friends- we last visited Claire in 2019 at Stonegates health center. I wish I could make the viewing tonight or service tomorrow but I am headed out of town. Please receive our family’s condolences and know we are thinking and praying for you. I’d love to get Clairemarie’s address and email address. Send to my email, kathrynbeers320@gmail.com Thank you so much. Sincerely, Kathy Ford Beers Mary Ann Ford David Ford Walter Ford

01/28/2021 04:26 pm

Robert Abel Jr writes,

Dear family, It has been a privilege to work with Claire over so many years and bask in her generosity and courage. Her community mindness has contributed to making Delaware a better place to live. There never was a complaint, only a smile and willingness to partner in her own care. I only hope the many wonderful memories will comfort all of you at this time of loss. Please know that countless others are sharing in your loss at this time and will cherish her memory. With sincere sympathy, Rob Abel Jr.

01/28/2021 04:36 pm

Briana Taylor lit a candle and writes,

It was a pleasure caring for Mrs. Hanavan over the years. She was a sweet lady with a genuine smile. I admired her devotion to her faith and her art. She loved pictures and telling stories of her grandchildren. Always loved to hear from her daughters and see her family. She will be missed. Sending my condolences to her family today.

01/28/2021 06:44 pm

Marybeth and Jerry Leeper lit a candle and writes,

Jean and Chris and all of the Hanavan family, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you. May you take comforting knowing there is one more, YOUR, angel above you watching over you and all of the Hanavan Clan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you! Marybeth and Jerry Leeper

01/29/2021 08:58 am

Dave and Dianne Tiberii writes,

To Claire Marie, Bob, Julie, Mary Beth, Maura, Jean and Amy, and to your families as well, please accept our condolences for your loss. Such a beautiful ceremony today in honor you mother- thank you for letting us be a part of it.

01/29/2021 03:40 pm

Marjorie Lynam writes,

Sincere sympathy to the family of Claire Hanavan.

02/02/2021 06:21 pm

Eleanor L Rauner writes,

We had such a wonderful pilgrimage to the holy land together. I will never forget the experience of translating all the commentaries for her. It was a great experience

10/26/2022 12:46 pm

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