Claudia and I met in the late seventies while attending night classes at Gavilan College. We connected right away. She was a perceptive and conscientious student. And I always respected her intelligence. (she often agreed with me) We were enrolled in a music history class; and along the road from Palestrina to Louis Armstrong we encountered the typical challenges that life brings. We solved problems like what to do with our husbands, kids, hairdressers, and the government. Claudia was so hot under the collar because, although she and Mike had occupied their newly built house for a few years, Santa Clara County had yet to send a property tax bill. She would call them only to be told that they had not assessed the property yet. “When they do” she said, “it will be enormous!” Yes, very infrequently Claudia could lose her composure!
Claudia was a tireless worker. She had fruit and vegetables growing all over her yard. I remember helping her to pick her strawberries. I sat on the ground and complained; she picked the strawberries. She and Mike had a small apricot orchard which consumed most of their time during the summers. The kids were just munchkins then. Mine were ten years older than hers and in school full time. So when we visited, it was usually at her home. She had really piled her plate full. Cleaning, cooking, child rearing, farming, school work, and writing, not to mention church activities.
Claudia was the very best of people. Believe me, if you needed help of any kind, she was there for you. She took care of lots of people. She would provide food, transportation, a shoulder to cry on, all with a smile and maybe a giggle. She was kind, loving, and sensitive to your feelings. She took on these responsibilities without seeking kudos for herself. She was always very discreet (no Facebook for her! ).
Claudia was highly organized. I’m sure she planned her days to the minute. When she was hired by Gilroy School District to write a book for the third graders about local history, she took it on with discipline and determination. She was a bit of a perfectionist, you know; and wanted this project to be as perfect as possible. This was the beginning of her later publication, “Pieces of the Past”.
Both of us went to work outside the house in the early eighties. We only saw each other occasionally until recently. Within the last few years (maybe five) we found ourselves part of the F.R.F.G membership. So we’ve been able to reestablish our friendship.
Her tragic death shocked and saddened me in terms that I am unable to express. I will miss her.