Claudia Reitsma was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on December 13th, 2021 at age 67, with her beloved husband and dog by her side. She was born to Claude and Mary Jo Helmker on October 6th, 1954 and grew up in St. Joseph, MI. After graduating fromContinue Reading
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Jebbie Blanchard Smith
left a message on January 16, 2022:
CLAUDIA and I met at the MCYMCA about 4 years ago in the pool. We enjoyed sharing our proudest moments in the lives of our family, as well as the worrisome times..She'd light up discussing Joel's successes in movies & her deep concern and love for her daughter. I often tell about my love of music & pleasantly surprised when she and her husband came to hear my music at the Speakeasy..I wish then I had known her love for JT & CK as I would have been glad to share my 5 or 6 of their songs!. She will be sorely missed.I love you Claudia!
Todd and Kathy Ferrier
left a message on January 15, 2022:
Dear Uncle Mike and Fam,
I was so sad to hear of Aunt Claudia's passing. Her health issues were getting better so it was a surprise.
The things I remember the most were her crazy creativity and all the amazing things she created. The other thing is her laugh. It was very unique and infectious. I can still hear it when I think of her. She will be missed!! Hangit there!!!
Todd and Kathy Ferrier
Joey Romaine
left a message on December 31, 2021:
I met her son, Joel, my Freshman year of college. I've looked up to him ever since. I was from FL and living in Chicago and had never even seen snow before. Before I ever even met Claudia, she made me my first scarf (and by far my most favorite). She made me feel a part of her and Michael's family with her warmth, laughter, and caring. I will carry that with me forever. By definition, a Servant of the Lord. God bless, and see you soon. Love, Light, Peace.
Mollie Devenbaugh
left a message on December 30, 2021:
Words could never express how truly sorry I am for the loss of Claudia. She was an amazing woman, and she will be deeply missed by so many. Claudia took in my best friend, and welcomed her open arms into their family. She loved her, protected her, and wanted the best for her. She then did the same for my niece. It’s a beautiful thing when someone can make a family out of love and not just blood. I’m so thankful for everything she was. A loss like this is felt by so many, and I sadly know just how heartbreaking it is. Your family is in my thoughts, and prayers!
Dennis Varo
left a message on December 26, 2021:
Was so saddened to hear this as I'm just getting this info now.....Claudia was a friend and customer of mine....prayers to her husband and family...rest in God's hands, Claudia....you Will be missed....
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
SJHS Class of 1973
left a message on December 24, 2021:
Mike & family,
On behalf of the SJHS Class of 1973, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loving wife and mother. We were heartbroken to learn of our dear friend and classmate Claudia’s passing. Our classmates are so grateful we were able to experience her kind and beautiful soul. Claudia will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. In loving memory of our dear Claudia….
LIFE WELL LIVED
A life well lived is a precious gift,
of hope and strength and grace,
from someone who has made our world
a brighter, better place.
It's filled with moments,
sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears,
with friendships formed and good times shared,
and laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy,
of joy and pride and pleasure,
a living, lasting memory
our grateful heart's will treasure.
- Author Unknown
Linda K Doane
left a message on December 21, 2021:
Miss you so much. Till we meet again my sister.
Nancy Donohue Hoover
left a message on December 21, 2021:
To Claudia’s husband and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Although it’s been many years since I saw or spoke with Claudia, I can still remember her rich, deep laughter floating down the halls of St. Joe HS. She was friendly and down to earth, and happy. What a sad loss for her family and the class of ‘73. RIP, Claudia.
Jill Insuasti (Helmker)
left a message on December 20, 2021:
Claudia was my Aunt. She was always thinking of others, and I was blessed, along with my family to be on the receiving end of the love that she shared and poured out.
The last time I saw her she made finger puppets for my kids. When I shared of Aunt Claudia’s passing with my children, my 4 year old had several question, then announced her conclusion that Aunt Claudia is making puppets in heaven!
Joan Smith
left a message on December 20, 2021:
I knew Claudia as we swam at the pool early ffffffff e e f % ddd feee
e e f f e f e d d fe v % e fef f e ff e f fe f d d f e e fe ddd e ffdf dd %# d fe fe e d dde ef vvvvvvff evvvvvvv ffevvvvvv v % ffe vv vvvvvvvvvvvvv v e f v bb bb
vvvfb fe vvvvvvvvvvvvvv vv g fev fevvv vvvvfevv v v vv v e ffe fee # v
Jamelee Ann Ryckman
left a message on December 20, 2021:
Barbara told us about your mom. We would like to give you a big hug. It has to be hard to lose her so suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rachel DePauw
left a message on December 19, 2021:
You where an amazing woman of God, I so thankful you where apart of my life. Praying for your family.
Rachel DePauw
left a message on December 19, 2021:
You where an amazing woman of God, I so thankful you where apart of my life. Praying for your family.
Anne Sears
left a message on December 18, 2021:
In memory of Claudia Reitsma, Anne Sears lit a candle
Alan Jackson
left a message on December 18, 2021:
Love you, Ma-Fish!
Connie Ferrier
left a message on December 18, 2021:
Claudia, my sister, was truly a woman of God. Her assignment on earth was completed. She leaves an empty spot in many hearts. She taught me many things, not by what she said, but by the way she lived. ❤
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Jebbie Blanchard Smith
left a message on January 16, 2022:
CLAUDIA and I met at the MCYMCA about 4 years ago in the pool. We enjoyed sharing our proudest moments in the lives of our family, as well as the worrisome times..She'd light up discussing Joel's successes in movies & her deep concern and love for her daughter. I often tell about my love of music & pleasantly surprised when she and her husband came to hear my music at the Speakeasy..I wish then I had known her love for JT & CK as I would have been glad to share my 5 or 6 of their songs!. She will be sorely missed.I love you Claudia!
Todd and Kathy Ferrier
left a message on January 15, 2022:
Dear Uncle Mike and Fam,
I was so sad to hear of Aunt Claudia's passing. Her health issues were getting better so it was a surprise.
The things I remember the most were her crazy creativity and all the amazing things she created. The other thing is her laugh. It was very unique and infectious. I can still hear it when I think of her. She will be missed!! Hangit there!!!
Todd and Kathy Ferrier
Joey Romaine
left a message on December 31, 2021:
I met her son, Joel, my Freshman year of college. I've looked up to him ever since. I was from FL and living in Chicago and had never even seen snow before. Before I ever even met Claudia, she made me my first scarf (and by far my most favorite). She made me feel a part of her and Michael's family with her warmth, laughter, and caring. I will carry that with me forever. By definition, a Servant of the Lord. God bless, and see you soon. Love, Light, Peace.
Mollie Devenbaugh
left a message on December 30, 2021:
Words could never express how truly sorry I am for the loss of Claudia. She was an amazing woman, and she will be deeply missed by so many. Claudia took in my best friend, and welcomed her open arms into their family. She loved her, protected her, and wanted the best for her. She then did the same for my niece. It’s a beautiful thing when someone can make a family out of love and not just blood. I’m so thankful for everything she was. A loss like this is felt by so many, and I sadly know just how heartbreaking it is. Your family is in my thoughts, and prayers!
Dennis Varo
left a message on December 26, 2021:
Was so saddened to hear this as I'm just getting this info now.....Claudia was a friend and customer of mine....prayers to her husband and family...rest in God's hands, Claudia....you Will be missed....
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
SJHS Class of 1973
left a message on December 24, 2021:
Mike & family,
On behalf of the SJHS Class of 1973, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loving wife and mother. We were heartbroken to learn of our dear friend and classmate Claudia’s passing. Our classmates are so grateful we were able to experience her kind and beautiful soul. Claudia will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. In loving memory of our dear Claudia….
LIFE WELL LIVED
A life well lived is a precious gift,
of hope and strength and grace,
from someone who has made our world
a brighter, better place.
It's filled with moments,
sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears,
with friendships formed and good times shared,
and laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy,
of joy and pride and pleasure,
a living, lasting memory
our grateful heart's will treasure.
- Author Unknown
Linda K Doane
left a message on December 21, 2021:
Miss you so much. Till we meet again my sister.
Nancy Donohue Hoover
left a message on December 21, 2021:
To Claudia’s husband and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Although it’s been many years since I saw or spoke with Claudia, I can still remember her rich, deep laughter floating down the halls of St. Joe HS. She was friendly and down to earth, and happy. What a sad loss for her family and the class of ‘73. RIP, Claudia.
Jill Insuasti (Helmker)
left a message on December 20, 2021:
Claudia was my Aunt. She was always thinking of others, and I was blessed, along with my family to be on the receiving end of the love that she shared and poured out.
The last time I saw her she made finger puppets for my kids. When I shared of Aunt Claudia’s passing with my children, my 4 year old had several question, then announced her conclusion that Aunt Claudia is making puppets in heaven!
Joan Smith
left a message on December 20, 2021:
I knew Claudia as we swam at the pool early ffffffff e e f % ddd feee
e e f f e f e d d fe v % e fef f e ff e f fe f d d f e e fe ddd e ffdf dd %# d fe fe e d dde ef vvvvvvff evvvvvvv ffevvvvvv v % ffe vv vvvvvvvvvvvvv v e f v bb bb
vvvfb fe vvvvvvvvvvvvvv vv g fev fevvv vvvvfevv v v vv v e ffe fee # v
Jamelee Ann Ryckman
left a message on December 20, 2021:
Barbara told us about your mom. We would like to give you a big hug. It has to be hard to lose her so suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rachel DePauw
left a message on December 19, 2021:
You where an amazing woman of God, I so thankful you where apart of my life. Praying for your family.
Rachel DePauw
left a message on December 19, 2021:
You where an amazing woman of God, I so thankful you where apart of my life. Praying for your family.
Anne Sears
left a message on December 18, 2021:
In memory of Claudia Reitsma, Anne Sears lit a candle
Alan Jackson
left a message on December 18, 2021:
Love you, Ma-Fish!
Connie Ferrier
left a message on December 18, 2021:
Claudia, my sister, was truly a woman of God. Her assignment on earth was completed. She leaves an empty spot in many hearts. She taught me many things, not by what she said, but by the way she lived. ❤
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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