Claudia, born Mary Claudia McDevitt in Washington D.C. July 29, 1922, passed away January 27, 2011. Her childhood was spent in the Washington D.C. area with her parents and sister. She is survived by her children: Dennis F., William R., Richard W., and Shelley A Hardy. She has nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
After high school Claudia was employed by AT&T as a telephone operator. She was working when the lines lit up for the attack on Pearl Harbor. She met her husband to be during this time. On May 23, 1943 she married William Robert Essig, a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. They were transferred to Camp Pendleton M.C.B in 1951. Bill was deployed to Korea and died tragically in 1952. Claudia never remarried. Because Claudia loved San Diego, she remained in Oceanside to raise her children. Out of necessity she found a job at Camp Pendleton to support her family. Claudia worked in a male dominated field in civil service for the military and earned the respect of her colleagues. She worked at Camp Pendleton for 25 years earning a civil service retirement.
Claudia was a devoted Catholic regularly attending the parish at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea in Oceanside. After retirement she spent time doing volunteer work. She had a passion for history and loved to travel to Europe. She also enjoyed visiting her family throughout the US. Claudia was an avid Bingo player, spent many afternoons at the Oceanside Harbor and took day trips throughout San Diego. She also enjoyed visiting her children and their families throughout the U.S.
We will celebrate Claudia’s life and all that she meant to us. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2011 at 1 PM. Both services will be held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary Chapel, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1300 Bladensburg Road NE, Washington, DC. For more information contact Mount Olivet Cemetery at (202) 399-3000.
Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory, Oceanside, California.
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