Claire Stutz Hubbard, having completed her earthly adventures and emptied her bucket list, has traveled into the presence of God. She left with peace and joy surrounded by her family at home on December 11, 2022.    

Claire was born on August 7, 1942 to Florence and Clarence Stutz, caring and loving parents in Richmond VA.  She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, worked at the Newport News shipyard and owned Hubbard Tree Care. Claire and John opened their home to countless foster children and babies over many years. It was a calling she strongly felt to bring hope and change lives.  She was a charter member of the Tidewater Tracking Club, lifetime member of the Merrimac Dog Training Club, and a member of the Mastiff Club of America. Claire was a volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum for over 35 years where she was also a charter member of the Cardinal Club.  She was a remarkable one-of-a kind woman with an immense faith; incredibly positive attitude and optimism about life. She was always thinking of others even in her most challenging moments. Claire, selflessly, always put others before herself.

Claire had a wonderful sense of humor and could always lighten the load on others.  She was the consummate advocate for all living things; babies, pets, and wildlife alike.  She was everyone’s friend; each friendship was unique and special. Claire made even the simple things special and celebratory. She always honored her work and never let anyone down even in her lowest times; knitting hats and blankets for babies in the hospital, cooking for the dog club, and volunteering. Claire was a woman of integrity, strength, resilience, and the glue that held things together. Claire was married at and a member of Hilton Presbyterian Church. The church and its members sustained her with their friendships and their continued prayers through many illnesses, especially Circle #3.

And the mold was broken…

Claire was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, John Hubbard, parents Clarence and Florence Stutz and older sister Jo Stutz. She is survived by her children, Brian Hubbard (Anna), Janet Garihan (Barton), Joel Hubbard (Christie), Steven Hubbard (Susie) Timothy Hubbard, Kim Griffin, Meagan Gualtiere (Gina), Susan Moore, and Ty Hubbard (Paige); proud grandmother of John David and Brooke Hubbard, Lauren and Philip Hubbard, Emily Hubbard, Matthew Griffin, Rocco and Sofia Gualtiere; great-grandmother of Jaxon, Jett, Olivia, Ava, and Levi; sister Susan Stutz; as well as her beloved pets who enriched her life every day.  What a privilege to have loved and been loved by so many cherished family members.

Heartfelt thanks to all of the medical professionals at VA Oncology and her private aide for many years, Rebecca Ribblett.

Expressions of sympathy should be sent to the Virginia Living Museum or the Peninsula Pet Pantry. Any floral donations should be delivered directly to Hilton Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at Hilton Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.