My heart goes out to all who loved Claudia.

I have such wonderful memories of Claudia, especially during our years at Rucker's Home and School Club. Claudia always had a gentle smile, which began with her very expressive eyes. Her intelligent, perceptive contributions to our meetings were always just what was needed to clarify a point of discussion. It was during this time, also, that she wrote Pieces of the Past, a history of Gilroy which we used later, as third grade teachers, as a resource while teaching the history of Gilroy. Claudia was a lovely person and she will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, dear Claudia.

For the past several years my day would often begin with a walk with Claudia--a wonderful way to start the day. She was such a beautiful, caring person, always ready with a helpful word or deed. She was a dear neighbor and friend. Her Christmas note that she brought over last week was addressed to "Friends, Family, and neighbors who are like family". Indeed we feel as though we have lost one of the family. Ron and I will miss her so much and our love flows out to Mike and Cassie. If there is anything we can do to help, please tell us what we can do.

I am deeply in shock. Claudia & I shared a number of seminars leading up to our MA exam at San Jose State. We studied together and I greatly appreciated her insights and wit. Even though, we did not keep in touch, I thought of her often. I will miss her.

A highlight of a day in my high school career was any day that I was lucky enough to have Mrs. Salewske's name written on the chalkboard (yes, chalkboard) as the substitute for the day. Her passion for teaching made a lasting impression on me as a young girl and my sincere condolences go out to her whole family. Prayers being sent to all.

I remember Mrs. Salewske fondly as a kind, wonderful teacher who cared very much for the students in her classroom. Though many years have gone by since I last saw her and even more since I was in her classroom at Gilroy High School, her smile and spirit are memorable to this day. May your family be filled with the Lord's comfort during this difficult time.

The Reeder family wishes to send deep and sincere sympathy, but find it hard to say the kind of things that possibly may comfort you. Perhaps just knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you will bring you consolation while somehow lifting your hearts.
"The heart can rest on hope as gently as a butterfly on a flower. "

Claudia and I taught together at Gilroy High. We were the first teachers named Co-Grand Marshall for Homecoming and also had the Yearbook donated to us the same year. Honoring a female and male has now become a tradition at Gilroy High. I treasure the honor of sharing this with my dear friend Claudia.

I've never felt more encouraged or like I mattered more than when I sat in your classroom. To know that as adults when we passed you in the grocery store, you remembered each of us and inquired about our families only made my friends and I adore you more. My heart is breaking for your entire family. Cassie- huge hugs are sent your way from my entire family.

Claudia, you were always so enthusiastic and helpful in teaching me about our community, so warm and friendly and encouraging. The tone of Cassie's Facebook posting is just one example of how your wonderful spirit lives on in those you have inspired. Phill Laursen

I knew Claudia for about 20 years, first with our work in the Gilroy Historical Society and later on in the FRFG Women's Study Club of Gilroy that was founded in 1898. We had so much fun talking local history and trading writing stories. When I signed the book contract with Arcadia Publishers to write the Carmel Valley book (the equivalent of Claudia's Gilroy book) she was so helpful to me with insights on how to deal with the editor and publisher and how to go about amassing 244 historic photos for publication. She had a bright wit, an easy smile and was well loved and respected in the community. She loved her friends, her family and her church. May she rest in peace and find light and love on the other side of this life where she has now gone to live. She will always be missed. She left the world a better place for having been with us.

Precious Claudia,.... as we grieve, the Lord is rejoicing for the beautiful new angel in heaven. You blessed so very many people here on earth, including my sons who I am so thankful had you for their English teacher in high school. I always loved running into you in town as we would chat about our kids, and life, and you always had a warm smile and hug. I remember when you invited me to join you in one of your beautiful services to Gilroy, ....volunteer to tutor people at the library who could not afford to pay for a tutor. We will miss you so much and I pray for peace and comfort for your family.
Until we meet again some day,
Your friend ,Joyce j.

Oh, Claudie! I am just stunned and writing through the tears! You and Mike were always such fun! And you had great wit and keen sense of humor and creativity! Loved your laugh and hear it still! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers..you were always so special to pray for me and mine! Love you all! Laine

It has been several years since I have been in Claudia's company, and yet I can very easily picture and feel the love and light she gave off to the world around her. She had such immense warmth and compassion for all those she cared about, and was so generous with her time and energy. It was easy to see that she was filled with joy by doing for others, in spending time with her beloved Mike and her beautiful children Cassie and Matt.

I had the fortune to witness Claudia's love and light. I was Cassie's partner at the time, and Claudia and Mike welcomed me into the family and their home with open arms. I could readily see the love and pride Claudia had for her daughter, and it was easy to see where Cassie got her generosity, her creativity, her culinary skills, her way with words, her compassion and empathy. I feel blessed to have met and known Claudia for the short time that I did, and for the lasting impact she had on my life. To be truly loved and accepted by a partner's family is a gift and treasure, and I will be forever grateful to both her and Mike.

My heart is with Mike, Cassie, and Matt - along with their family and friends near and far. There are no words to express the sadness of what has happened. What I can continue to offer is my unconditional love and support to each of you during this unimaginable time and moving forward.

Claudia's smile and heart were contagious, and her love for Mike, Cassie, and Matt ran so deeply through her - it was so tender and obvious to see. May you three continue to feel that love and know how grateful Claudia was for each of you.

With much love,
Marcy <3

I taught with Claudia at Gilroy High School. All of us saw her sweet easy smile, her love of children, and her love of teaching. She graced our little part of the world, a shining light to all who knew her. I only wish we had more words of comfort.

Annie and I were friends and colleagues of Claudia at Gilroy High School. She was always smiling and very caring of students and staff. Her students always spoke very highly of her and her dedication to their success.Our thoughts and prayers are with Claudia and her family. She will be missed. Annie and Sal Tomasello

Mrs Salewske and her family were a part of my life since I moved to Gilroy in 1983. Her husband was active in my boy scout troop and her daughter Cassie was in many of my classes through out school. Once in high school Mrs Salewske was a warm and caring teacher of mine. Once I became an educator myself she was always there with encouraging words and tips. You will be missed.

Mrs. Salewske made me fall in love with English! She was such an amazing light every single day! She corrected everything in green ink, to not leave big "red marks" everywhere! She will be missed; I'm sure her memory will live on very long because of the impression she left on everyone!!!

Claudia was truly a wonderful, compassionate, beautiful person we will all miss. This sad news hit our family very hard. I will always remember her beautiful smile and a person that always went out of her way to say hello. I will always remember the genuine concern she had for Scott when he was very sick. I know that she was one of his prayer warriors that helped him through to getting well. We pray for her family and send them comfort and know that the Lord will get them through this.

Years ago, Claudia bought Cassis and Matt to my husband John's office whenever the children needed medical attentions. I was impressed and liked her sincere smiles at the first sight . Thru the years, we became friends . Even thought after her children grew up and we didn't see each other as often , we still ran into each other a lot.  She came in regularly to see her eye doctor whom we shared office with.  We then would visited and caught up on the news about each other's family. She was one of the most gentle, kind, positive person I know. She was also a remarkable, loving , caring disciple of Jesus that I am sure our Lord is pleased to welcome her home.  She'll be missed by all who knew her.
Prayers and hugs to Mark, Cassis and Matt !

Claudia was one of the kindest, most thoughtful woman I have ever met.  She touched so many lives throughout the years with her kind words and beautiful smile. I am grateful to have been her student and friend. She truly will be Forever Missed.

This is such a difficult thing to do: write about someone who was so suddenly and tragically taken from us, was so special, meant so much to so many people, and gave so much of herself to others, including John and me, that mere words cannot even begin to express our deep sadness for the loss of such a beloved friend. That being said, I know that Claudia, who wrote so beautifully, could express exactly what I'd want to say - but I know she knows what is in our hearts.  She was my walking buddy; I will miss our daily walks together. There were many mornings when I would have elected to stay indoors and sleep in but I knew she would be waiting for me.... and we talked about anything and everything; we never lacked for conversation!  She was an amazing person and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and the family during this very difficult time. 

Karen & John McDowell

As a student at Rucker, I remember Mrs. Salewske was a fixture at our school. Whether she was teaching or being a Mom volunteer, she was always friendly and welcoming. She was one of the few people on the planet who I allowed to call me "Becky" because of her sweet demeanor and constant stream of encouraging words. I appreciate her inspiring a love for literature in me and so many others. She will be dearly remembered and missed.

Claudia was a lovely woman when my dog passed away on 2/11/12 when i brought her memory box she was the first woman to leave a doller inside the box.

I had the privilege of teaching at Gilroy High School with Claudia and also working closely with her on the Images of America Book which I illustrated and also contributed many of the photos. She and I worked closely at that time ,going to each others' homes, working, talking and sharing stories. She was passionate about the book..she knew what she wanted in the illustrations and was so professional. I was honored to work with her. The bonus of this project was that I was able to get to know her on a personal level. What a wonderful woman!  I will miss her intellectual curiosity, her caring, sincere, loving, heart and her going out of her way to help all she knew. Students loved her as did our staff.
I am saddened to the core and my heart goes out to all her family and those who loved her.

Having taught with Claudia for many years, what I remember the most about her was her continuous smile and positive comments about students and staff. She will be missed by all whose lives she's touched.

I was fortunate to have Mrs. Salewske as my high school English teacher freshman and junior year, as well as CSF club advisor. Her classroom was one of the places I loved most during my four years at Gilroy High. We stayed in touch after high school and I looked forward to her beautifully written letters. She was selfless, compassionate, and always found the positive in every person and situation. When my family put on a young writers conference for several years she kept us going with her energy and enthusiasm. I am so grateful to have known her. Our family sends love and light to all of you.