Claire Agnes Griffith

Claire Agnes Griffith (née Hilenski), 1942-2024, was born in Boston, MA. She died in her sleep on May 25th in Chicago, IL of natural causes. She is preceded in death by her brother, Albert “Al” Hilenski and her dear friend and mentor Kathleen Miniken. Claire is survived by her daughter Terri (Serena Worthington) Griffith; cousin Stephanie Olejniczak (née Hilenski); nephew Albert Hilenski Jr.; and great-nieces and nephews, Casey, Emily, Hannah, and Jeremiah. A devoted friend and neighbor, she will be missed by Karen and Paul Bartlow, Kathleen Hagemeister, Sherry Kennedy, Kelly and Wally Mercier, the Quall family (especially Martha who visited Claire every evening), the Regan family (Nuria, Bert, Emilia, Sofia, Grace), the Valluzzi family (Holly, Jeff, Cece, Lucy), and Donna Wirt. Claire graduated from Brighton High School in Boston and studied nursing before entering the military. She was immensely proud of her Air Force service (Private First Class, 1962-1966), including her years as a Medical Service Specialist and Practical Nurse at the 49th Tactical Hospital at the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. She contributed to the book, "The Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat" by Eileen Bjorkman. The author used Claire’s story in her book as an example of the issues and discrimination that women who served in the U.S. military prior to the 1970s faced. As Bjorkman notes, Claire was one of the thousands of unsung heroes who served and paved the way for women of the next generation to serve under much more favorable conditions and with many more career choices and opportunities. For the majority of her professional career, she was an administrator for Housing and Urban Development grants in Snohomish County. Claire was especially passionate about grants focused on creating and maintaining safe and affordable housing for women and children in need. Claire moved from Everett, WA to Chicago five days before her death and was staying with her daughter and daughter-in-law until her new apartment was ready. In the weeks leading up to her unexpected but peaceful death, Claire had the unusual opportunity to say goodbye to each and every one of her friends, sort through a lifetime of belongings with her daughter, pack what she wanted for her new life in Chicago, and to close the door on her little green house on the hill. Given the beauty and finality of this send-off, no memorial will be held. Claire’s loved ones will remember her love squirrels, President Barack Obama, and neighborhood garage sales. In accordance with her wishes, Claire’s body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Association in the aid of scientific discovery. When study is complete, she will receive a military burial with an honor guard and be interred at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery in Lake Bluff, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s name to the Everett Animal Shelter: https://www.everettwa.gov/148/Animal-Services. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Claire Agnes Griffith

January 9, 1942 - May 25, 2024