She was born on April 1, 1931, to William and Claude Almand of Kenbridge, Virginia. She married William Sommer in June 1954. He preceded her in death in August 2009.
Surviving are two sons, Scott (Kristin) Sommer, of Phoenixville, PA, and David (Kris) Sommer of Elgin, IL; one daughter Sarah (Louis) Lundell of Santa Barbara, CA; five grandchildren: Meghann, Logan, Katie, Amy, and Grant, and three great grandchildren, Ely, Chloe and Lucy.
Claudia studied at Peace College in Raleigh, NC. Her family history is rooted in Virginia dating from the 1600s. She is a Daughter of the American Revolution.
Travel adventures were a must in her life. With family or many friends she enjoyed rafting the Colorado River, sailing in the Caribbean, hiking the Grand Canyon, viewing the pyramids in Egypt, and cruising on the Nile River.
Claudia was a hostess with the Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau for many years where she welcomed and worked with visitors coming to Peoria for conventions, trade shows, school music, and sporting events. She was active in Loaves & Fishes at First United Methodist, a Christian charity dedicated to providing food for needy families and individuals.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed at Jubilee Ministries, www.jubileeministriesinc.org
