Claudia Jayne Moore's Obituary
Claudia Jayne Moore, of Santee, CA, died on January 22, 2020 after a lengthy and hard-fought illness. Devoted mother of Kristen Kay Caldwell (Cameron Andrew) of San Diego, daughter of Virginia and stepdaughter of Tony Barron of Georgetown, TX, twin sister of Cynthia Lynn Moore (Christopher Sellers) of Pullman, MI and sister of Heather Leigh Murphy (Robert) of Dallas, TX, sister of the late Gregory Dickson Moore and the late Curt Anderson Moore. Father was the late E.R. Moore of Thousand Oaks, CA.
Claudia was born on July 28, 1955, in Chicago, IL and spent a happy childhood and young adult life in Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale, IL surrounded by a close family and many relatives. She attended Hinsdale Central High School, graduated in 1973, did the '70s adventure and drove to California, joining her two brothers who had moved there earlier. Claudia made new friends, loved living near the ocean, and found some time to attend Moorpark College. Having a good eye for bargains and treasures in the rough, she began a successful business of buying, refinishing and selling antique furniture. Claudia married, (Robert Caldwell) had Kristen, divorced, and devoted all of her time and energy into being a dedicated mother and dealing in antiques. The California climate allowed her to devote time to her love of gardening as well. She always had beautiful flowers, plants and shrubs of all kinds thriving around their home. Claudia lived motherhood to the fullest, keeping Kristen involved in activities and experiences of every kind, to provide her with a full and healthy young life.
Unfortunately, Claudia was diagnosed with Lyme disease many years ago. The illness became more debilitating as time went on, and additional diagnoses ailed her. Although her activities became limited, she always maintained a positive attitude and was determined not to let her sickness get the best of her, surprising her doctors with constant resilience. Claudia made many new friends in California, but never lost contact with her Midwestern friends, making many visits back and forth over the years. Whenever a Moore was visiting the Midwest, a call would go out and friends would meet at the Country House in Clarendon Hills to reminisce about the “old days.”
2019 proved to be the most challenging year for Claudia. After spending the majority of the year in the hospital and skilled nursing facility, her greatest wish was to go home to her own apartment and her own bed. During the last month of her life at home, her twin sister Cynthia came from Michigan to assist and be with
her round the clock. Kristen went above and beyond the role of caring daughter to be the extremely competent and resourceful person who managed the correspondence, medical and hospice care, and logistics. A sincere and special thank you hardly seems adequate for the wonderful, dedicated LightBridge Hospice caregivers who made Claudia's last weeks comfortable. In a gracious gesture of friendship, Sue Brown Williams of Clarendon Hills, IL, who has been one of Claudia's best friends since kindergarten surprised her with a visit just before she passed away. It was the epitome of true friendship and concern, the kind we seldom see anymore, and it was truly appreciated.
Years ago, while on a visit to her parents’ house when they resided in Salt Lake City, UT, we took a day trip to Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon to see the incredible display of wildflowers that were in bloom there. Claudia insisted that there weren't wildflowers anywhere that could compete with California's, but she'd go along for the ride. But really, if we wanted to see wildflowers, we should visit her. As we approached the head of the canyon, parked, and walked to view the mountain peaks, turquoise skies, and the enormous basin in full color, Claudia stopped. Just in awe and unbelieving at the enormous expanse of vibrant colors in front of her, she conceded that the view was more incredible than anything she'd ever seen, anywhere. She held out both of her arms, as if to embrace the scene and said, “This is what I think heaven is like, just exactly like this – blue skies, and wildflowers as far as you can see.” She was in discomfort for a very long time these last years, but I believe that now, our beloved Claudia's spirit is strolling peacefully among those wildflowers.
Virginia Wright Barron
2/14/20
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