Claire H. (Habel) Piltz

Claire Ward Habel Piltz

Claire Ward Habel Piltz, born April 9, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, died on August 12, 2016, at the age of 96, at the Masonic Village (Elizabethtown) following several strokes.  Claire is survived by her husband of 73 years, William A. Piltz, Jr. as well as two daughters: Sharlene Zagozewski, of Southbury, CT and Karen Speelhoffer, of Elizabethtown; a son, Karl Piltz, of York and the South Pacific Islands.  Also surviving are six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Claire was always interested in women’s sports.  At Frankford High School in Philadelphia, she excelled in girls’ basketball, baseball, field hockey and volleyball from 1932 to 1936.  Claire was Treasurer of her graduating class and graduated with Honors in June 1936.  She was awarded the Stehle Memorial Prize for academics and the Honor Book.

Claire went on to Temple University, majoring in Physical Education.  She was in the Women’s Athletic League for four years, serving as president her senior year, the Crown and Shield Honor Society and acted as the Sergeant-at-arms in Phi Delta Pi.

On June 12, 1943, Claire married her childhood sweetheart, Bill Piltz.  She raised their three children, as well as taught Health and Physical Education at William Penn Senior High in York for ten years.  Claire was a longtime volunteer at the YWCA and Red Cross, including blood drives and fundraisers in York and later in Hanover.  She was active at All Saints Episcopal Church, Hanover, serving on the Vestry, several terms as its Warden.

Claire enjoyed all sports and was still playing golf at Hanover Country Club, bowling, playing tennis and taking aerobics classes into her eighties.

Claire was a loving mother and a great friend.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022, 717-367-1543.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.MillerFuneralHome.com.