"Claidia and I met quite accidentally when I came to Emmetsburg doing research on my Jennings relatives, and we later kept in touch by phone. I'll really miss her and her good cheer. Xoxoxoxox"
In loving memory of
M. Claudia Darrah
October 30, 1922 - October 26, 2017
Mass of Christian Burial for Claudia will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Interment is in Evergreen Cemetery, Emmetsburg. Visitation is 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Joyce Funeral Home in Emmetsburg.
Claudia was born October 30, 1922 in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Emmet and Mary Veronica (Jennings) Shea. She attended St. Ellen's Catholic School before graduating from Emmetsburg High School in 1940. Claudia then attended Emmetsburg Jr. College.
On February 6, 1947, Claudia was united in marriage to Robert Fred Darrah at St. Mary's Basilica in Phoenix, Arizona. The couple lived in Phoenix, but moved back to Iowa to farm in 1974.
Claudia was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She loved farming with her husband, telling old stories and family history. She had a wealth of knowledge on the history of Emmetsburg and Palo Alto County. Raw almonds , a bit of chocolate and frequent trips to the A & W were among her favorite things. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her outgoing personality and her attention to every detail.
On Thursday, October 26, 2017, Claudia passed away at the Palo alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Elizabeth Ann Darrah of Snoqualmie, Washington and Robert Fred Darrah (Lonna) of Spencer, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tyler Anderson (Carrie Bartlett), Stevn Anderson, Lonnie Darrah (Kim) and Sheila Cassibo; great-grandchildren: Michael Darrah (Anne) Matthew Darrah, Brittany Frink, Brianna Poole (John) Juniper Anderson and Bastion Dracen; great-great-grandchildren: Camryn Darrah, Lillian Darrah, Isaiah Poole, Eian Poole, Justin Garrett, Jorden Garrett, Kenzie Garrett; and her many friends in the community.
Claudia was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert.
Tributes
"it takes a Village to raise a child. It takes a Village to care for the elderly. I thank everyone that helped Claudia stay in her home until her stroke. She was a very special lady and will always be in my heart. Love Deb "
"Claudia was a great lady. I am not in Emmetsburg too often, but when I am and if I saw her, she always could call me by name. She always had a story to tell."
"This lady was so great! We will miss her. Condolences to her family and close friends... she's smiling on us all Tony and Marcia "
"Jerry and I always enjoyed talking to Claudia! She was always so upbeat! I will miss our visits! Sympathies to her family and friends."
"Condolences to all of Claudia's family. Have known and admired Claudia all of my life. RIP, Claudia. With sincere sympathy, Judy and Dave Nixon"
"We at Dunigans are really going to miss Claudia. She was such a joy every time she came in and each of us would sit and talk with her. We all love you Claudia."