Claire P. (Panek) Hushion

Claire (nee Panek) Hushion, of Springfield, passed away after a brief illness on November 8, 2020 at the age of 84.  Loving mother of Christine Hushion (Danny) of Media, Janice Fawn Oakey (Rich) of West Chester and the late Jeffrey Hushion.  Grandmother of Andrew Scott, Grace Oakey, and Sean Oakey.  Sister of Edward S. Panek, Jr.  

 Claire was born on January 14, 1936 in Philadelphia to Clara S. Panek and Edward S. Panek Sr. She grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and went to Good Shepherd Elementary School and Villa Maria Academy, where she attended on scholarship. Claire went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where she played women's basketball, and served as President of her senior class. She graduated with a degree in biology in 1957 and was offered a job by the Dean of Women as an admissions counselor, which she gladly accepted.

While home raising her 3 children, Claire began her other 'career'. She joined the League of Women Voters in the 1960s and quickly became President of the local chapter. She then segued into community politics. Claire was a Democratic Committeewoman in Springfield and eventually served as Chairperson. She was instrumental in getting candidates elected, including Congressman Bob Edgar, something she was very proud of.

Claire was also an avid sports fan. She loved her Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers, but her true passion was for college basketball. She watched any games she could, but Duke was her team. She also loved Villanova and all Big 5 teams, but her dream game would be watching Penn beat Princeton!

Claire went back to work in the 1980s at the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. She found it extremely rewarding to help women overcome their abuse and thrive as empowered survivors. Her generosity, compassion and fervent beliefs in equality are traits that would dominate her life. She attributed much of this to her parents, and especially her time at Camp Happy, which served underprivileged children in the city. Her father was Director and Claire spent her summers enjoying the outdoors, eventually becoming a counselor. It was here that she developed her passion for helping others, especially the black community. By working in segregated cabins, she saw the inequities and prejudice these children would face due solely to the color of their skin. She always recognized white privilege and always believed that Black Lives Matter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service Friday, 7:00 P.M. at the Logan-Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Road, Broomall, PA  19008 where friends may call from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.  Interment will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fair Fight, Inc. or the World Wildlife Fund