Clare Kussay

Clare L. Kussay, 90, of Jenkintown, PA passed away peacefully Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. Clare was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 20, 1935, daughter of the late Clara and John Lavin, and sister to the late Miriam Stacy.

Clare graduated high school from Nazareth Academy, where she met a few of her closest life long friends. She married Henry, literally the boy next door, on May 25, 1957. She dedicated her life to caring for others, both at home and at work.

After high school, Clare started working at the Navy Depot, followed by many years of administrative assistant positions, a role she took great pride in and truly enjoyed. Her attention to detail and dependability earned her the respect and friendship of her colleagues.

At home, Clare poured her heart into creating a welcoming and loving household for her family. She selflessly raised five children and somehow always managed to keep a clean home while preparing a delicious, home-cooked meal every night. You would rarely see Clare idle for long, she was always busy doing something, from laundry and ironing to making our dance rehearsal outfits, typing up our term papers for school or driving us to one of our many school or social events. She truly enjoyed staying busy at home but always made sure we had fun-filled family time. She sure knew how to pack a cooler with yummy homemade sandwiches and snacks for our many long road trip adventures, packing that, and us, snugly into our Vista Cruiser.

In her later years, Clare found great joy in watching her twelve grandchildren grow and even helped to care for a few of them after she retired. Whether it was babysitting, attending school events, or simply being a comforting presence, she always gave her time and love generously.

Clare is survived by her loving children Kathleen (Timothy) Cassidy, Henry J. Jr. (Gail), Geralynne (Ronald) Steffenino, Theresa (Frank) Brown and Kenneth (Megan). She is also survived by her devoted grandchildren Brian, Kenneth, Jennifer, Brett, Timothy, Emily, Nicholas, Jonathan, Sarah, Jason, Grace, and Gavin. She also leaves behind her precious great-granddaughter, Ione.

She will truly be missed, having made her mark on our world. Clare will be remembered for her steady kindness, her strong work ethic, her devotion to family, and her quiet but unwavering love that touched everyone who knew her. She held many titles throughout her 90 years with us, but those we cherished most were Mom and Grandmom/Mom-Mom.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing 9:15-10:15 AM, followed by her funeral mass at 10:30 AM, both on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church 820 Susquehanna Rd. in Rydal, PA. Her interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home and condolences may be made at www.mcgoldrickfh.com