ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Frau Clauson, 95, born on October 5, 1919 and passed away on April 1, 2015. We will remember her forever.

Frau pictures - many of you will have some great pictures of Mom that we would like to share at the Memorial - please choose your best 3 and sent to Marc at theClausons@comcast.net. Thank you.

Please join us at her memorial on April 25th at 3pm at the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Juanita for a time of sharing, fond memories, and closure as we honor her life and friendships with those she held dear. All "Frau-ites" are welcome.

We are currently trying to set the site up to allow posting of pictures, memories, and other websites and facebook pages to both share your memories and to connect with the "Frau People" to perhaps reconnect and start your own programs to continue to make the world closer.  

October 5, 2022
October 5, 2022
Geburtstag??!?? Schon wieder??? In my mind and heart, you remain ageless and always present - this day continues to be a celebration of you, your incredible love, and the teacher/mother that you remained throughout your life and continue to be to this day... Du bist ja immer vermisst -
August 16, 2022
August 16, 2022
Frau, I often think of you, still, after 42 years! My three sisters stayed in Seattle before I did. We had 6 girls altogether staying with us. What a challenge and what a gift!
Small, with unmistakable personality and energy, I have seen you again and again over the years, with us in Hamburg, when you planned the exchanges with my mother. And then resolute, fair, strict and very cheerful, open-hearted and always interested in your counterpart in Juanita High.
In 1980 you put me in a family, that 'won't fit for everyone' – and it was the very best family for me! My stay was a big adventure and a real pleasure. 3 years later, the whole family surprised me with a very spontaneous (by telegram telling me to meet them in Edingborough the next day, incl. a money order ....) 1-week-joint trip through England. Another year later, I stayed with them again for 3 months and travelled the U.S. with my sister Susan for 4 weeks – with great help and anticipation from my Dad. Then, Nancy, my second sister, visited me in Hamburg on her Europe-Trip. And in 2019, after 39 years, Dad arranged a trip to London, so Susan and her family and I could spent some time together again. For my life all of it was a wonderful and formative experience. I feel, I was blessed. In great gratitude, I will always remember you, Karin Warzecha (Schönwälder)
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
My dear Frau - I still, all these years later, remember your voice and face. Just a few days ago I told a new friend about my wonderful German teacher and the great experience of being her student. You are always with me. Die kleine Toni
October 6, 2021
October 6, 2021
Spent a moment with you yesterday on your birthday - raining, grey, construction mud and detours at the cemetery - reminded me clearly of one of the traits that i have from you - so much of me is thanks to you and how you lived your life - you are part of me daily
October 5, 2021
October 5, 2021
One of the worst things about this stupid stupid pandemic is it has kept me from visiting my exchange family in Hamburg - and from attending the wedding of my German "sister"'s daughter this July.  Thanks to Frau Clausen, I have known and been a part of this family since 1972 and visited them almost every year since (and they have visited me here). Frau expanded my world forever in the best way and I will never ever forget her or stop loving her.
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
I was an exchange student in the 1960s in Braunschweig German set up by Frau Clausen and remember my time there fondly. And plan on going back to visit in the next few years. It gave me a enhanced perspective of the world. I had the opportunity to visit her in the 80s with my wife. Her impact reverberates through my connection and work with immigrants in the East where I live now.
April 1, 2021
April 1, 2021
always remembered, not just on this day, but so often throughout the year in my daily walk - so much of who i am is because of you - thank you, love you
April 2, 2020
April 2, 2020
I keep a picture of Frau In my kitchen and remember her with love every day. I was born in 1956 and grew up in Redmond - she babysat my little sister and me when she was going to college to be a teacher, and brought us the most magical German games and toys to play with. Because of her I took German from 7th grade on, and she sent me to the most wonderful family in Hamburg in 1972, who have been like blood family to me ever since, to this very day. I always remember her saying if people knew each other as people, maybe there would be no more war. I loved her dearly, always will.
April 1, 2020
April 1, 2020
Always remembered through so many big and small things - remember this night with you and Marc so often (so many little things bring it to mind) - thank you for the loving warrior you were … always there, forever missed … love you, Momchen
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Frau was a wonderful teacher, friend and mentor. She insisted that I go to Germany to replace another student. With little time to spare, I was off to Deutschland. Wunderbar! Later I ran into her at her home, delivering her mail. I asked if she remembered me and her response was typical Frau " It I is the little Toni!" I miss running in to her at Spud's in Juanita. Miss you.
October 6, 2019
October 6, 2019
Sunday brunch - happy birthday, Momchen - posted for you yesterday (Instagram) remembering all of the ways that you continue to influence my daily life and thoughts - wanted to wait until today to celebrate the way that you always celebrated our birthdays - brunch on the closest Sunday - you always make me smile and often I wish that I had gotten even half of your organization and delegation gene - love you always, M
August 24, 2019
August 24, 2019
Frau Clauson taught German to me and my classmates at Lake Washington High School in the late 1960s. She was an amazing teacher and we all loved her. I remember apple kuchen in her home, trips to a German restaurant, decorating the German Club float, and typing her Master's thesis for her in my final year at LWHS. My German is rusty, but I have not forgotten it. Hugs to her family.
August 17, 2019
August 17, 2019
mid-summer sunny days - memories of showing up at the house and you on the rear deck in your bustierre - never seemed to bother you that the new neighbors looked directly down on our deck from their kitchen - you taught me to care about what others think, and then, in your later years, showed me the balance of not letting their opoinions and thoughts control my life - you were my teacher and mother - always I miss you
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
still remember sitting with Marc holding your hand that last night … we knew that it was time, but also knew that one part of you would hold on until April Fools Day (symbolism on so many levels) … I remember that night often - the little one really did turn out to be a pretty amazing son (so funny that he would be the one to follow your teacher footsteps) … in my mind and heart, I walk with you often - miss you, momchen
December 25, 2018
December 25, 2018
Weihnachten - family love, commitment, and honoring/celebrating key moments in life - you continue to teach even now, you are loved and missed daily
December 24, 2018
December 24, 2018
I played tennis with Annaliese for several years back in the 80s and early 90s, she was an amazing woman.  She loved her tennis!
December 18, 2018
December 18, 2018
Was thinking about Frau Clauson today and deciding to check in and see if she was still with us
Shame I didn’t think to do it sooner
She meant so much to me and did so much to change my view of the world
November 27, 2018
November 27, 2018
Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays - you always made things so very special - from you I learned honoring and celebrating - as always, I am grateful - love you, Momchen
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
Happy birthday, Momchen - so many ways that you always come to mind … always I am grateful, always I miss you - was out at the cemetery a few days ago - the St Francis statute is gone - even though we are not supposed to leave anything on the site, this had been there for close to 3 years - I can hear you ausschimpfen whoever had the audacity to move it … always you were there … you taught me commitment and tenacity - did you know that today, your birthday, is also World Teacher's Day … the universe is a funny place
May 29, 2018
May 29, 2018
often I just come to the site to see the pictures and feel your presence - always you are a part of me - miss you in so many ways
December 30, 2017
December 30, 2017
Nuh - so many years with you on the Hale Koa balcony in Hawaii for New Years - you always insisted on seeing the fireworks - I owe you for teaching me not 'to miss things' - to pay attention to the milestones and the history of things (the eclipse was your influence) - always thinking of you, always sending you thanks and love - deine marvinchen
April 17, 2017
April 17, 2017
Mom - laughed with you on the 1st - we all got together for Easter - you and Michael were there with us  ... the grandkids are raising amazing families - you both did well - love always, mc2
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
Mom - you always worked so hard to make the holidays special and full of warmth, love, and traditions - you fill my thoughts and heart in so many little ways during this season - I miss you so much, mc2
October 5, 2016
October 5, 2016
Frau Clauson babysat me and my sister when we were little girls in Redmond, while she was going to college to get her teaching degree. She always brought us the most magical games and toys and we loved her dearly, and when I got to high school, even though I was at Redmond HS not Juanita, she included me in her incredible exchange program. She sent me to Hamburg in 1972 to a wonderful family who became like blood relatives from the very start (and are, to this day, part my family, we see each other all the time). Frau changed my life in every possible good way. I loved her and will never ever forget her.
October 4, 2016
October 4, 2016
Frau Clauson was my mentor teacher when I student taught through the UW at Juanita High School. I went on to be the founding director of the German American School of Portland, now the German International School and I am now am an assistant professor preparing future school leaders. Your dear mother and omi was such a guiding spirit in my life-and I would not have had the successes I have had without her guidance and her belief in me. Her spirit lives on through the work of her students and mentees. I am so blessed to have known her. Yours, Deborah
April 1, 2016
April 1, 2016
I think of Annelies often - usually a memory of some silliness on a tennis court or a sly remark in her kitchen. She was a unique, adventurous, fun person to know!
November 30, 2015
November 30, 2015
Frau was a great German teacher! She knew when to have fun and when it was time to get down to business in class. I never participated in the Juanita exchange program, but I was inspired by it and ended up joining another exchange program after I graduated from Juanita.. and spent my Junior year in Mainz, Germany through the U of W Foreign Exchange Program. It was an invaluable experience. R.I.P. Frau!!
October 29, 2015
October 29, 2015
Liebe Frau Clauson,
Words cannot express how grateful I am for your friendship and your love - and for you teaching me when you were in your eighties. Kant's Imperativ and your favorite poem, Mondnacht by Johann von Eichendorff, are one of the many glimpses into our stimulating afternoon Kaffee Kuchen teaching sessions that will remain with me forever. Thank you for touching so many of our lives. Thank you for loving me and being my friend. You will always have a place in my heart. May you rest in peace... "...Und meine Seele spannte, weit ihre Fluege aus, flog durch die stillen Lande, als floege sie nach Haus." Deine Kamilla
October 5, 2015
October 5, 2015
Annelies,

I think of you often and miss our talks. Your vibrant spirit lives on in the way you touched our lives.
June 13, 2015
June 13, 2015
Frau Clauson opened the door to a bigger world for our daughter Lauri in the early 1970's and, as a result, for us her parents as well. Lauri began German classes with Frau at Juanita High School, and by her junior year set off to Emmerich in Nordrhein Westphalia. There she lived with the Hein and Rosi Kreutz family. That began a life-long friendship between our families and ultimately resulted in a joining of the families as Lauri and Bernhard Kreutz were married in August of 1986 here in Bellevue, Washington. As a result of Frau's exchange program we have been blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, Anna and Katrin, now 25 and 23. Thank you to Frau for these additions to our family as a result of her German and exchange program at Juanita High School. We have been blessed and thank God for her hand on the life of our family.
May 11, 2015
May 11, 2015
Frau was not only my teacher but also a neighbor, so I have many memories of her. I still remember "Auf, Ausser, Bei, Mit, Nach, Seit, Von, Zu" which she sang to the Blue Danube Waltz, Her scolding the classmate I sat next to in the middle of class "Mr......, Do not flirt with Miss Hirt!" The amazing opportunity she provided us with the German Exchange program and the tour of the sites in Germany that were important to her at the end of our stay. As her neighbor I remember the time a group of us were studying for a World Studies exam on Halloween, we gave up and went out trick or treating, when we got to Frau's' house we all got on our knees to look smaller as we rang her bell. The time I complained (at the beginning of class) that one of her dogs was chasing me when I ran on her street while training for cross country. Her answer was that I run on a different street (I did which added an extra hill...). Crawling under her sports car after the big windstorm in '93 to pull a tree branch out from underneath it, as I was driving out of the neighborhood behind her. Attending the gathering for her at the last night at her house. Thank you Frau for everything!!!
April 30, 2015
April 30, 2015
Marc, you did an outstanding job with your tribute to your mama, what a beautiful memorial, I think that was the best memorial I have ever been to, the stories were so wonderful, pastor was great. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to you, big crowd. Your mom would have really enjoyed that whole program. We all loved her so much. I would still love a copy of that wonder story of her life that she read at her 90 th birthday party, did she read it or did you, I can't remember but it was so well told, if you have a copy anywhere I would love to have it.

Hugs and kisses to you, Marvin and Mike, and those beautiful grandchildren, and I'm so sorry I didn't get to say hi to your lovely wife.

Edie
Ediedixon@msn.com
April 27, 2015
April 27, 2015
My wife and I attended Frau's memorial service this past Saturday. It was a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary woman who influenced many lives. 
I enrolled in German my sophomore year in high school. This was in the fall of 1971, the year Juanita High School opened its doors for the first time. Initially, I had no real interest in Deutsch other than to fulfill the 3 years of foreign language required by the college of my choice. Frau soon changed that. 
She would not allow me be half-hearted about German. I was going to learn it, learn it well, and love it! Her example of passion for her subject and concern for her students stayed with me even as I pursued a career as an educator. 
Frau came to mind often in my years as a college vocal major. As I performed the art songs, arias, and choral works of Schubert, Schumann, Mozart, and Bach, my professors would sometimes comment on the precision of my German pronunciation. Under my breath I would whisper, "Thank you Frau." 
I am grateful to God for the impact this lady made on my young life.
April 25, 2015
April 25, 2015
Frau was kind enough to take me on halfway through my 1st year in high school and help me catch up with my German to enable me to participate in the exchange program in 1983. I had the wonderful opportunity when I was with my exchange family in Ahrensburg to also get invited to live with a family in East Germany before the wall came down. I was the first American in the city since WW II, and my stay there not only opened my heart and eyes, but also those people around me in Neukalen who had heard only negative things about Americans. Frau was able to make a positive impact on so many people, and I count myself lucky to have gotten to know her during my schooling. She had such a positive influence on my life!! Ich werde immer dankbar fur die Gelegenheit sein, die du mir gegeben hast. Sie wir wer
den vermissen!!!
April 25, 2015
April 25, 2015
I was lucky enough to go to Lubeck courtesy of Frau. Then I was fortunate enough to be one her TAs. Danke, ihre kleine Toni
April 23, 2015
April 23, 2015
Guten tag Frau Clausen. I really enjoyed meine drei jahre auf Deutshe mit dir. Looking back now it was really great having all the exchange students come to America. My family hosted Arndt Furken from Ahrensburg. I'm sorry I sprayed snow on you while skiing at Alpental, actually it was kind of fun to ski fast by my German teacher! Although we did not stay in contact I still held a place for you in my heart. Some of my best artist friends are from Deutschland! So das ist gute, ich will ein bier trinken in your honor. TschuB, til spater, Peter
April 22, 2015
April 22, 2015
I had the privilege of teaching with Frau Clauson at Juanita High School from 1979-1985. German was so popular at Juanita that I taught the overflow German classes that she couldn't teach. Our World Language Department was made up of amazing individuals. Besides Frau Clauson, I worked with Wilma Price, Karen Matsunaga, Sergio Luna, and Margaret Ondruch. I only taught at Juanita for 6 years; but Frau, Wilma, Margaret and I remained friends for many years. We met together for lunch around once a year, catching up on each others' lives. I recently retired from teaching the last 22 years at Monroe High School, where I was also known as "Frau." I felt honored to be called by that name, but I felt like it never really belonged to me ...
April 15, 2015
April 15, 2015
Frau Clauson left an indelible mark on me. I attended Lake Washington High School in the 70's and was one of the lucky ones who was part of her renowned exchange program. I attended a high school in Fuhrberg (near Hannover), and the family I stayed with had relatives in Hamburg, with whom I also stayed. During my Hamburg stay, I took the train to Berlin (when East Germany and Berlin were still "walled"), and I was able to contemplate a world divided. These and many other experiences in Germany, have helped to greatly influence the person I am today. As memorable as my experience in Germany was, even more memorable was the way Frau taught us. She was singularly focussed on us understanding German people, German culture, German holidays, and, oh yes, German, too, with her very strong emphasis on German grammar. I learned far more about English grammar from her than I ever learned in all my English classes put together. Her determination, focus, and approach to life have guided me to this day. We have lost a true shining light, and one that, I'm sure, changed the lives of countless others.
April 14, 2015
April 14, 2015
Frau, Frau, Frau. So much impact on so many people. Take no guff, give them what you knew they needed, heart of gold. I learned a lot from Frau and her exchange program which I carry to this day, a high compliment. A truly one off who made her mark and touched many. She named my first puppy, wrangled me to stay in the exchange program when homesickness was overwhelming, and bailed out a young man with tears in her eyes that made him think. The grating of potatoes for pancakes, the sheets of Kuchen (not so much the poppy seed) etc.. I could go on and on but I'll stop. All my condolences to the Clauson brothers and rest in peace Frau Clauson. A life well lived.
April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
Marvin, Mike and Mark how blessed you were to have Annalies as your mother! She was so proud of all 3 of you and loved you all so much. When Annalies and my mom got together we got all the updates. She was loved and will be missed by many.
April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
I had the honor and privilege of being a colleague of Annelies’ from 1971 - 1978. I was an Assistant Principal at Juanita High School during most of those years. Frau was a dedicated teacher who not only cared for her students, but was concerned for the whole school. Those first years of Juanita called for a staff that was willing to try things, make adjustments, and work collaboratively. Frau was a great leader of the teaching corps. She brought all kinds of ideas to the administrators, and if we told her we would follow up – she made sure we did.

There are so many things that creep out of my memory bank when thinking about Annelies: the extravagant gingerbread houses, her German exchange program, her regular trips back to Germany for the “spa,” and many more. I remember one of the early Mardi Fash Ca events she and the rest of the foreign language department put on. Frau asked me to participate in the dunk tank. Of course I agreed – I had learned that it best you say yes when Frau asked a favor. I was the first one to be put on the tank that evening, and so was the first one to be dunked. As I hit the water it was obvious no one thought that perhaps the water should be warm. The water was straight out of the cold water tap, and I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

Annelies Clauson – what a great teacher – what a wonderful human being.
April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
I was a student of Frau Clauson's at Juanita High School. Angela visited from Germany and stayed with us for 6 months. I went back and stayed with her family in Hamburg. When my daughter graduated from College I took her to Europe. We were delighted to visit my host family in Hamburg 35 years later. They were delighted to see me again. What a wonderful experience.
April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
I was at Lake Washington rather than Juanita and didn't get to know Frau Clauson well. But her exchange program was life-changing. I used kid my mother that I was born in Germany at age 17, as if nothing that happened before mattered.
April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
Frau Clauson babysat for me and my sister when we were very little. She brought toys and games from Germany for us to play with, and at that time (I was born in 1956) we didn't have anything remotely like them in the US and we thought they, and SHE, were absolutely magical. She was going to the UW at that time, to become a teacher. I went to Redmond Elementary, Junior High (where Mr. Clauson was my science teacher and I started taking German in 7th grade), and High School. Even though Frau taught at Juanita and I was at Redmond, because of her long-time friendship with me and my parents she offered me the chance to go to Germany in her program when I was a junior, and I went to Hamburg (Marc remember we were there the same year, 1972)?  The family she chose for me couldn't have been more wonderful and they are, to this day, just as much "mine" as if we were related by blood.  I see them almost every year and we are as close or closer than my US family - as with thousands of others, Frau absolutely changed my life in the best imaginable way and I can never ever thank her enough.  I am grateful beyond words that that tiny indomitable lady was in my life and I loved her very very much.
April 12, 2015
April 12, 2015
Annelies was a friend through and through.For years we celebrated our October birthdays. We played tennis on her court and then with friends for years in Bellevue.A tradition In December was her tennis luncheon with all the German fare. Just think of all the people that will miss her food.
To Mike,Marvin,Mark and Fiona and the grandchildren I offer my kindest and warm sympathy.
Knowing Annelies for over 40 years I say Auf Wiedersehen (the extent of my German) and may Peace be with you forever and ever with Love...
April 12, 2015
April 12, 2015
Frau made such an impression on me and was my favorite teacher at Juanita High School. It was hard for me learning the German language but, Frau taught with such enthusiasm and power that it forced me to learn! It was at times very intimidating! I made a mistake however when she pleaded with me to go as an exchange student to Germany. I was too afraid to leave home and didn't go! I'm sorry to have missed that experience!
I grew up down the street from her. My mom played tennis with her over the years and they remained good friends.
She made amazing Kuchen too!
God bless you Frau and all the Clausens!
warmest regards!
April 12, 2015
April 12, 2015
Our family will be forever grateful to Frau and the exchange program. Our three kids participated in the exchange and we have maintained the connection with our German kids and their families to this day. They are a very important part of our family and we can never thank Frau enough. My husband and I took German classes in the evening from Frau after she retired from Lake Washington School District. This provided us the opportunity to get to know her better and we will always treasure her friendship.
April 10, 2015
April 10, 2015
Thank you Frau for not only teaching German but teaching Life! Living with another family at a young and impressionable age forever shaped me and all the friends I had that were a part of the program. I am still close friends with my exchange student and a friend in my class in Emmerich. Because of you I see the world differently. Your legacy has gone so far as to teach my kids about Germany, soccer (BVB!) and give them the opportunity to learn firsthand by traveling.

I will never forget when the Wall came down and Frau announced it with the map of one Germany outlined with a marker. She had tears in her eyes. She tended to yell at me more than most and I deserved it. She’d say, “Herrrr Bur-vel,” and then ask me to conjugate a verb or sing along to “aus, auser, bei, mit, nach, zeit, von, zu.” Remember that song? When she came back from Winter Break she’d be crazy brown, smiling and with a bit more spring in her step. That weird sloped room with swivel desks at JHS would light up when she entered to start class.

My condolences to the family for their loss. Frau’s memory will live on forever. Thank you Frau! You changed the world for the better!
April 7, 2015
April 7, 2015
Annelies was one feisty little frau! I loved her spirit and played tennis with her right up to her 90's. She was fun and could get past my anxieties with her practicality and heart. She got me back into the game I love, fed us all rouladin at Christmas and shared her love for travel and the world around her. She was a great friend and I enjoyed any time I got to spend with her. She touched many lives and I'm so glad mine was one of them.
April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
My dad still tells the story how Frau approached him at the grocery store, asking why he wouldn't let me go to Germany. My dad told her he'd let me go, but she'd need to "turn up the heat" to convince me. Next day, I get in the car showing my paper with a picture of "my German"! I made such a connection that I was homesick for Antje and my other German friends after leaving, I returned following my freshman year of college, made her my bridesmaid and we continue to keep in touch today. My life had changed because of this experience and this wonderful woman who pushed us so hard. We argued, teased, shook our heads at one another, but Frau always kept her end of the bargain, making us work for what we wanted. I'll always remember her dedication to this program and hope my children can experience the magic of an exchange program. Than you Frau!
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Recent Tributes
October 5, 2022
October 5, 2022
Geburtstag??!?? Schon wieder??? In my mind and heart, you remain ageless and always present - this day continues to be a celebration of you, your incredible love, and the teacher/mother that you remained throughout your life and continue to be to this day... Du bist ja immer vermisst -
August 16, 2022
August 16, 2022
Frau, I often think of you, still, after 42 years! My three sisters stayed in Seattle before I did. We had 6 girls altogether staying with us. What a challenge and what a gift!
Small, with unmistakable personality and energy, I have seen you again and again over the years, with us in Hamburg, when you planned the exchanges with my mother. And then resolute, fair, strict and very cheerful, open-hearted and always interested in your counterpart in Juanita High.
In 1980 you put me in a family, that 'won't fit for everyone' – and it was the very best family for me! My stay was a big adventure and a real pleasure. 3 years later, the whole family surprised me with a very spontaneous (by telegram telling me to meet them in Edingborough the next day, incl. a money order ....) 1-week-joint trip through England. Another year later, I stayed with them again for 3 months and travelled the U.S. with my sister Susan for 4 weeks – with great help and anticipation from my Dad. Then, Nancy, my second sister, visited me in Hamburg on her Europe-Trip. And in 2019, after 39 years, Dad arranged a trip to London, so Susan and her family and I could spent some time together again. For my life all of it was a wonderful and formative experience. I feel, I was blessed. In great gratitude, I will always remember you, Karin Warzecha (Schönwälder)
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
My dear Frau - I still, all these years later, remember your voice and face. Just a few days ago I told a new friend about my wonderful German teacher and the great experience of being her student. You are always with me. Die kleine Toni
Recent stories
April 1, 2023
When I was a little girl, Frau Clauson was the most magical babysitter my little sister and I had - we grew up in Redmond (in the woods - it was the country then) and she was going to school at the UW to get her degree so she could teach, and babysitting on the side.  She brought the MOST fun games and German toys, and we loved her dearly.  So when I got into junior high at Redmond (and by the way I had her husband for science) I started taking German language class in 7th grade, and even though I was at Redmond H.S., she sent me to Hamburg as part of her wonderful exchange program in 1972.  My German family is like my blood family to this day, I love them very much; and the chance Frau Clauson gave me to see and understand another world in that way was a huge turning point in my life.  I remember her saying if people knew people as PEOPLE, maybe there would never be another war.   She was an incredible, wise, kind, beautiful person and I am more grateful to her than I can ever say.
April 1, 2023
When Frau Clausen taught German at Lake Washington High School, we learned more than the language. She opened her heart and her home to us. One day after class, we began talking with her about her life in Germany, the war and how she came to be in the United States. We peppered her with questions, and at one point tears filled her eyes. I’ve never forgotten that day. As American teenagers in the 1960s, we had no understanding of what she had faced as a young woman. I remember a few of my teachers from high school. I will never forget 'die Frau'.

Immer noch

April 1, 2023
still meeting people that you touched and changed along the way - loved Jay's words - you left a legacy that will continue to foster changes into coming generations - you would be so proud, yet i can hear you 'ach' as you try to pass it off - miss you daily

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