Mrs. Claudia Lee (Panter) Wescott, of Columbia, Md., passed away Jan. 27, 2021. She was known for her independent spirit, love of home, family, and friends. She always adored children and cherished all her time with her three grandchildren. Claudia loved the holidays. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing the excitement of her grandchildren on Christmas Eve. Each New Year’s Day, for decades she would welcome family, friends, and neighbors into her home to celebrate and enjoy one another.
As a girl, Claudia and her family moved quite a bit, bringing her and her siblings—Mike, Bob, and Christina—remarkably close. Claudia attended college at Shepherd University in West Virginia. There she made lasting friendships and met Harding Parks Wescott Jr., from Nassawadox, who became her husband in 1973. Claudia and Harding moved to Columbia where they built treasured friendships and started their family.
Claudia enjoyed working and began her career at Provident Bank. She continued her career as an executive assistant at Nestle, Verizon, and Arbitron, where she was valued as a dependable and personable team member.
She was born Sept. 26, 1951, to Sog Riley Panter and Martha Ann (Petersen) Panter. She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Harding Parks Wescott Jr.; her loving children, Jessica Rose Wescott Favret and husband, Jim, and Harding Parks Wescott III and wife, Carolyn; cherished grandchildren, Jacqueline Rose Favret, Patrick Harding Favret, and Harding Parks Wescott IV. She is also survived by her siblings, Christina Pascale and husband, Nino, and Robert Holt Panter. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael John Panter.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services and interment for Mrs. Wescott will be held privately. A larger memorial will be held later.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, 6555 Rock Spring Drive, Suite 280, Bethesda, MD 20817.
