Dearest Claudia Your song still lingers - you are not forgotten. 

Our dear friend, Claudia, left us too soon on August 18th, 2008, after a hard fought battle with a brain tumor. She left behind her loving husband, “Bud”, two wonderful sons, two grandchildren, her sister Cathy and brother Nick. It was shocking and sad for her friends to lose someone so full of love for life. We were at that point in our lives when our work and family obligations were more under control so we could free up time to schedule regular gatherings with our high school friends. We treasured our times together. Losing our “Songbird” (her email handle) left a huge hole in our hearts as we struggled to accept her premature passing.  I am sure most everyone remembers Claudia's sweet, melodic singing voice, her million dollar smile, her keen sense of humor, and her loving ways. I remember how physically beautiful she was and I couldn’t help but remark each time I saw her that she never seem to age! Fortunately for those who knew her, she was just as beautiful inside. Forever missing our "Songbird", Claudia. Go on with your song, bird, you can't go wrong bird You will go on and on, bird, like you did before Though your wings are broken the sky is so wide open And the wind is waiting for you like an open door Though you go so far away, your voice will still be heard so well You'll never really ever know how beautiful you are When the moon is on the rise I'll try to make my songbird fly I wonder if he ever will, and if he really did, how far Go on with your song, bird, you can't go wrong bird You will go on and on, bird, like you did before Though your wings are broken the sky is so wide open And the wind is waiting for you like an open door Though you go so far away, your voice will still be heard so well You'll never really ever know how beautiful you are When the moon is on the rise I'll try to make my songbird fly I wonder if he ever will, and if he really did, how far Go on with your song, bird, you can't go wrong bird You will go on and on, bird, through the open door Go on with your song, bird, you can't go wrong my bird You will go on and on, bird, like you did before "Songbird" as written by Robin Hugh Gibb and Maurice Ernest Gibb (The Bee Gees)

Fun times as college roomies at NIU. Miss you!