Obituary of Claire L. Eberhart

Claire Louise Eberhart (nee Hammond) went to her eternal home on January 26th at the age of 87. She was born in Montclair, NJ to Walter Burton and Elizabeth Neer Hammond. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 64 years, Joseph C. Eberhart, MD, two sons, Stephen (Maryann) of Phoenix, AZ and Douglas of Yardley; two grandsons, Joseph (Caitlin) and Kevin, both of Phoenix and two great-grandsons, Lucas Edwin and Caleb Stephen. Claire was a graduate of Manheim Township High School and Bucknell University, where she earned Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education. She taught briefly in Cheltenham, PA before joining the faculty of the Pennsbury School District, where she taught 3rd grade for over 20 years. She was considered a master teacher and an "all-time favorite" to many of her students. In an effort to enhance her students' educational experience and make them into "stars," Claire often wrote plays and musicals in which her pupils would perform. Following her retirement, she took great pride in serving as a tutor to a number of children and in teaching English to a family of Bosnian immigrants. Claire was also a talented musician, singing in the Bucknell University choir and for many years played the handbells for her church. She loved to garden, act, play the piano, and bake for her many friends and acquaintances. Claire was a huge lover of animals, especially cats; she was "mother" to over 30 during the course of her life. She served for many years on the board of the Yardley Community Center and the Bucks County Performing Arts Center, for which she worked tirelessly. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made (in Claire's memory) to the EASEL Animal Rescue League, 4 Jake Garzio Dr., Ewing, NJ 08628 or visit www.easelnj.org A memorial service will be held at a future date.