Claire L. Hightower

Claire Lucille (Lucas) (Teresko) Hightower, 92, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on September 30, 2025.

Born on December 27, 1932, in Nashua, Claire was the daughter of the late Ferdinand Lucas and Louise Pontbriand Lucas. She was predeceased by her first husband, Walter P. Teresko in 1968 and later by her husband, Clement “Grover” Hightower, in 2017.

Claire was a graduate of St. Louis de Gonzague High School, Class of 1951, in Nashua and of Catherine Labouré School of Nursing in Boston, Class of 1954. She began her lifelong career as a registered nurse in 1954 and continued nursing until 2009. Claire worked at hospitals in Nashua, NH and Lowell, MA, before devoting herself to home health care beginning in 1985. She became an intravenous nurse specialist in 1972 and was an active member of the Intravenous Nurse Society.

Deeply committed to community service, Claire served as chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 135 and was also active with the Auxiliary of the Legion of Naples, FL. She was a member of AMVETS, VFW and the Ladies of the Elks Lodge #2010.

Above all, Claire was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Ann Hodgson and her husband, Jeff, Elaine Briere and her husband, Marc, Diane Hodgson and her partner, Philip and Walter L. Teresko and his wife, Sharon; her granddaughter, Kristina and her husband, Andrew; her stepchildren: Lynn Hightower and partner, David, Brian Hightower and his wife, Stala, Mary Sweeney and her husband, Michael, Cheryl Spinazzola and her husband, Sam and Lori Hightower. She was a proud grandmother of 16 and great-grandmother of five, who will all cherish her memory.

Claire will be remembered for her compassion as a nurse, her strong Catholic faith, her service to veterans’ organizations and her steadfast love for family.

Relatives and friends are invited to Claire’s Celebration of Life on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 4 until 7 PM at the WESTFORD HEALY FUNERAL HOME, 57 N Main Street, Westford. Her Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 1 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish - St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Westford.