Claudette: Through the Years

Slideshow composed of photos of Claudette Lowe, taken by friends and family through the years. (Cover photo by Brenda Ladd Photography.) You may wish to lower or turn off the audio, however, the video clips in the slideshow do have audio. Produced by Donna Endres

Just found out. My deepest condolences, Hugh and family.  Claudette? Not here? I'm heartbroken. We probably return to Nirvana, not sure it matters from here. It's her absence that means the most. 

Got an email from you, Hugh, a week or two ago. Kept looking for it to reply that I wouldn't make it to your event. What I intended was to tell you and Claudette that you and she mattered among  of all those I considered friends, who were almost always quite friendly, as over time we all went about our lives.  However, remember when I called you about the bank officer giving me  a hard time? Details lost in the past. You called him and straightened him out,  a true friend helping who could help. Did I ever tell you, that bank official complained  that you had scared the bejesus out of him? Ha! Take That, buddy, I know Hugh Lowe! 'course I  really didn't say that.

Claudette,  long ago she was one of 20 or so friends I wrote letters to,  asking for $10 or $20 to help with dental work. No answer from anyone but Claudette with a sweet letter and $20 or $25.  It helped, and I learned the valuable lesson not to ask anyone for help anymore, and the even more valuable lesson that Claudette was a true friend, as are you.  Her kindness, calm, and friendship will be remembered and her presence wil be missed. 

CLAUDETTE

Claudette, are you magically circling around,

Collecting all the happy, loving thoughts

We are having about you?  I hope you know

How much I loved getting to know you

After all the years of having known you,

Hey! We were having a good time

You left so quickly – good for you

A relief to know it was quick, like “Good night”

And you just left, never to awaken again,

At least not in this life, I am in shock,

And not, at the same time; would that we could

All be so fortunate to just go, be gone, “Ta Ta”,

I would always hope the best for you, as I know

You would for me. You lived a good life and

You left the world a better place for having been here,

Where are the sisters? They preceded you, Libby, Ann,

Dorothy, the real royalty of Austin, I can only hope,

I will just assume that you are now in that good company

That modeled the way I hoped to be, strong women

I certainly could see the beauty of the sisterhood,

When I no longer feel your presence, I will mourn

But I do not think your memory will fade

Anytime soon.

12/18/2021