"Jon and Family, Claudia was a good friend and fellow hiker. She will be missed on the trails of earth, but will be hiking the trails of heaven forever, hopefully with Joe. We wish we were closer to attend the Celebration of HER Life. With much Love and Fondness, Bill and Barbara Pack"
In loving memory of
Claudia Gillis
September 4, 1948 - July 30, 2011
Claudia Jeanne (Hauge) Gillis (age 62) of Issaquah, Washington, passed away peacefully early Saturday July 30th. Claudia died as a result of injuries sustained in a hiking/climbing accident on Sunday, June 26th, while descending from Kaleetan Peak, near Snoqualmie Pass. During the 35 day period at Harborview, Claudia was continually surrounded by loving family members, which include her husband of 41 years, Jon Gillis, sons Jason Gillis and Brandon Sparks-Gillis, and daughters Rachel Gillis and Heather Fate. In addition to other family members, Claudia's mother, Helen Hauge, and sister, Judy Gribble and brother Ken Hauge maintained a loving and supportive presence. Claudia's devoted grandsons, Chase and Ethan will miss her dearly.
Claudia was a 33 year resident of Issaquah, and grew up in the Seattle area. She was a 1966 graduate of Mercer Island High School, and a 1970 graduate of the University of Washington, where she majored in Apparel Manufacturing Design. Claudia was very proud of her 17 years as a homemaker, and 17 years as an Educational Assistant at Issaquah's Sunset Elementary. Her favorite activity over the past several years was hiking and climbing, especially in snow. She was an independent, free-spirited individual who made an incredible difference in the lives of family and friends.
Visit Claudia's page on CaringBridge.org
Tributes
"We miss our dear cousin and daughter, sister, niece, wife, mother, grandmother to her beloved family. May the Lord comfort and heal the pain and sorrow of her family. We share the joy of her life, the memories of her love, and the tears with you now. Our love always, Gerry & Debbie "