Claire M. Smith

Claire M. Smith, age 75, passed away with her family by her side April 1, 2026. Beloved daughter of the late John and Dolores (nee Whalen) McCullough.

Claire is survived by her husband, Michael J. Smith; children, Michael Smith (Irya) and Victoria Renz (Dan); grandchildren, Michael, Lola, Eva, Kyle, John Joseph “J.J.”, and Brendan; Siblings, Christopher McCullough (Lisa) and Lori McCullough-Rubillo (Edward) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, John McCullough Jr. (sur. Sylvia) and her sister, Patrice Profitt (sur. Steve)

Claire was born on a cold January day, a tiny replica of her father who just adored her. By all accounts she was a permanent fixture in his arms for the first two years of her life. She was soon joined by her brother Johnny, sister Patti, brother Chris and baby sister Lori, living a charmed life with her many cousins and neighborhood friends, especially Beth who remained her close friend for more than seventy years. This little McCullough gang remained remarkably close their whole lives and Claire was always the mother hen, taking care of us, standing up for us and cheering us on every step of the way. Claire spent so many years at the elbow of her mother and grandmother, Nanny, learning all the family recipes and traditions so that she could carry them on for many years to come. She was a gourmet cook and had a creative spirit that made anything seem possible.

Claire excelled in school at Annunciation, Prendie, Cabrini College and later Delaware County Community College. She had a true talent for writing which she put to good use working on the school newspaper in high school & college. During her college days she met the love of her life, Michael, and began a wonderful love story that lasted 56 years. Michael was her soulmate and later her caregiver, demonstrating the most beautiful embodiment of their marriage vows in caring for her.

After getting her degree, Claire began to rise through the ranks at PSFS and became the first female appraiser in the company, paving the way for those who came after her. Her dream of becoming a mother came true in 1981 when her precious Michael was born, followed by her baby girl and best friend Victoria in 1988. Claire made sure her children had every opportunity to grow, learn and be everything they wanted to be - she nurtured them and guided them by her example. Claire volunteered at their school and never missed a class party, field trip, activity or special event.

Claire became a realtor and eventually a new construction specialist, helping many families find their homes and creating long lasting relationships with so many former clients who became friends. Everyone loved Claire and her kind and sparkling personality! The memory of that infectious laugh and great wit will always live in our hearts.

Claire's greatest joy was when she became Mom-Mom to Michael, Lola, Eva, Kyle, J.J. and Brendan and as with her siblings and own children, loved them beyond measure. They brought her more happiness than you can imagine and one of the most important lessons that she taught them was how to pray. Long after her own kids graduated from Annunciation, Claire started an after school Rosary Club at the school that fostered devotion to the Blessed Mother - this touched so many students who we still run into today and who tell us that Claire changed their lives with this simple act.

Relatives and friends are invited to Claire’s viewing on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 W. Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA and on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 11:30AM followed by her funeral mass at 12:00 PM at Annunciation B.V.M. Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, PA. Interment at a later date.

Contributions in Claire's memory can be made to Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org)