My husband David Atwater went to high school with Jon and Claudia, and their friendship extended for many years. We would get together to have such lovely times, filled with love, laughter and food. Jon and David would stay up all hours to reminisce about their days in Plattsburgh. David passed away in October from cancer. I decided to reach out to Claudia, and looking for her address I found her obituary. I want to offer my condolences to all of the family. Your mom was a special person.

To Claudia’s family,

Claudia and I both attended Plattsburgh High School together in the same graduation class of 1965. I remember her as a kind, generous, and helpful person. She was the kind of person that was also fun to be around. Definitely, your loss is God’s gain. Go Hornets Claudia!

Claudia taught me violin as a third grader and piano later on. She was a great teacher...tough but fair...always knew when I hadn't practiced enough. No pulling the wool over her eyes. She was always encouraging inside and outside of music. I always loved her sense of humor and her smile and laugh lit up the room. Years later, I loved running into her when coming home to visit PY. She always made time to catch up. My sincere condolences to Vanessa and family.

As a string student, you always dreaded when Claudia was your substitute because there would be no slouching on her watch. Other substitutes we could switch instruments, pull out sheet music we never had even played or just generally play bad. She would have none of that! And that laugh - it was always genuine and if you could get her to laugh as a kid you felt like a million bucks. She and Jon never seemed to forget a student or the instrument you played no matter what grade you were in school or even as an adult. Later she made some things for my dad for the charter business and the best thing to me about Claudia was that she would joke back at him when he joked with her. I inherited the quilted jacket she made for Dad when he passed away in 2021. Vanessa & family, she was one of kind but you knew that because you loved her best. Thank you so much for sharing her with us. May your memories of her and those who are sharing memories of her here be a blessing to you.

Mrs. Baldwin was my first violin teacher at Penn Yan Elementary, and I think it was her first year there. She also taught me piano privately. Piano didn't stick, but I still fiddle today, 50-some years later. I had a good foundation! I always enjoyed seeing her around, and will miss her.

Vanessa & Family,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Both of your parents made a difference in my childhood. They created a place (the bandroom) where we were all accepted. It was great fun when Mrs Baldwin to substitute teach for Mr Baldwin! I didn't know either of them as an adult, so all my memories of them are school age years (1980s). Every time I hang out with my band kid friends is a tribute to Jon & Claudia.

Sincerely,

Meredith Rupert Bray

I remember going with Claudia, Vanessa, Sue Oliver and myself to a Physic several years ago in Geneva. Sue and I pulled in the parking lot, just as Vanessa and Claudia did. Claudia got out of the car and said, her and John's song just came on the radio while they were in the car. I believe it was when they pulled into the parking lot, but not positive. Now Claudia was very skeptical about going there. But during our 2 hour visit John came through and the Physic said there is something about "a vacuum cleaner ". There were some laughs in the room, although I never knew John.. Well apparently John vacuumed quite often. Needless to say, I believe, she became a believer that those who have passed on, still like to communicate. So, I'm not sure who she is going to come through too, but I hope I'm one of them. I'll never forget that day.

Claudia was great, I really came to enjoy my visits at the Elks Club. I'll never forget that looked she'd give me and roll her eyes! She had a dry sense of humor, but I grew to love her. She was.a true "giver". She did for everyone and enjoyed it. She is one of the friends I missed the most when I moved. So until we meet again friend, feel free to flicker my lights in the house, anytime!!!

I am so sorry for your loss. We have lost a wonderful, giving part of our knitting group. May she rest in peace.

Vanessa, Don and family.

So very sorry for your loss. Claudia was an amazing and unique gal. She was so talented with her sewing and music. She was a great friend and will definitely be missed.

Katy and Mike