Friday, September 6, 2024
My deepest condolences to Mike, Emma & Jesse.
I’ve been friends with Claudette for over 50 years. It’s difficult to put into a few words how much our lifelong friendship has meant to me and how special she was. We met at Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH. Our 50th class reunion is being held October 5th, which she was so hoping to attend. We think we met Freshman year, because we can’t remember a time in high school when we didn’t know each other. We were in chorus and Home Economics class together. She strived to be on the honor roll. She motivated me to get better grades by suggesting that before a quiz, we take five or ten minutes before class started, to quiz each other. I noticed that putting in a little more effort made a big difference in my grades.
She was very smart, even though she didn’t think so. Her nickname was “Sunshine” like her positive personality. She was humble, empathetic and kind. She was a sincere and loyal friend. Even though we didn’t see each other on a regular basis, we’d keep in touch. We’d send emails, birthday and Christmas cards and make occasional phone calls. She had a descriptive style of writing along with beautiful penmanship which is becoming a lost art.
When we would get together, even though we’d be a little grayer, it was as if no time had passed. She took for granted how creative and talented she was; she could effortlessly knit, sew and crochet. At one time she used to spin her own wool from their sheep to make hats, gloves, etc. She would make cute mice with different catnip and herbs for my cats. She loved her cat Spirit, and animals in general. She would house sit cats and dogs for people and establish a bond with them.
She loved to garden as well as walk, hike, ride her bike and snowshoe. She was musically inclined and enjoyed playing the ukulele and acoustics for the Mid-Coast Ukulele group. She had a playfulness about her and enjoyed being outdoors in the winter and as she would say, “play in the snow.”
Last year we met in Freeport, ME for a couple days to go shopping at the outlets and LL Bean. She recently had surgery, but she didn’t let that stop her. She was still strong and physically fit. We did so much walking, it took me three weeks to recuperate when I got home! I’m sure I complained more than she did. I was cold and tired, but she just kept going and going. I told her she was like the energizer bunny!
I’m so grateful this past July, we spent a day with my daughter at the beach in Ogunquit. It’s hard to imagine her not being in the world. Her friendship was palpable even when we didn’t see each other. I will miss her calls, cards and letters starting with “Hello my dear!” and when she saw something she liked, she’d say “sweet.”
She’s no longer restricted by illness and pain and is flying free as the free spirit that she is. She’ll be watching over Mike, Emma & Jess at their beloved homestead. Cheryl Pierce
