Claudia Jeanne (Hauge) Gillis

Claudia Jeanne (Hauge) Gillis (age 62) of Issaquah, Washington, passed away peacefully early Saturday, July 30, 2011. 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 Medical Center, 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, 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. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Bellevue’s Westminster Chapel (13646 NE 24th Street.) on Saturday, August 20, beginning at 1pm. Casual attire is requested. Remembrances/Donations may be made to Camp Korey: http://campkorey.org/contribute (425-844-3100) and/or Washington Trails Association: http://www.wta.org/support (206-965-8559).

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