Claire E. Hockenberry 89, formerly of Belfast, passed away Monday, April 8, 2024, at Alexandria Manor, Bethlehem. Born June 24, 1934, in Pen Argyl, she was a daughter of the late Woodman C. and Carrie Dietweiler Powell. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Hockenberry who passed away March 17,1993.

Claire was employed as a seamstress in the garment industry, including Valerie Fashions and later A&H Sportswear until retirement in 1999. Earlier, she also worked for the former Laneco in Wind Gap. When at home, during her years of retirement, she liked to concentrate and do puzzle books or relax with a crochet needle in hand making beautiful items. She also appreciated the beauty of all types of flowers and enjoyed being outside gardening. Most recently she followed women's college basketball on television. Claire was a quiet, kind and humble woman. Her focus in life revolved around her family. It was always important for her to provide a safe and loving home. She was a great mom and grandmother.

A wonderful cook and baker, Claire looked forward to her kitchen work volunteering with the Plainfield Township Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Claire will be deeply missed by her son, Barry Hockenberry and his wife Debra of Belfast, and daughter, Denise Vilkauskas and husband Jeffrey of Northampton; and grandson, Zachary J. Vilkauskas, with whom she shared a close and very special bond. In addition to her parents and husband Joseph, Claire was predeceased by her siblings; sisters, Thelma Dodendorf and Cynthia Hoffner and a brother, William Powell.

Friends and relatives are invited to a viewing Friday, April 12th from 10-11am in Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth with the funeral service beginning at 11. Burial will follow in Belfast Union Cemetery.

Contributions in Claire's name may be offered to Disabled American Veterans, https://www.dav.org/  or St. Jude's Children Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude.html