Missing Claudine every day.  And we are so sorry to hear of the passing of her Dad.  

Keep their memories alive in your heart.  

With friendship and sympathy —

John and Patty Brady

Dear JoAnn, Craig, and Family 

May your hearts be filled with all her Beautiful Memories. 

  I met Claudine in 1986. The last time I saw her was mid-1990’s when I moved away. I’ve been back in “the neighborhood” few times since just to drive through & think about the great neighborhood it was to grow up in during 70’s & 80’s. Always made a point to drive down the street that Claudine lived on back then not knowing whether she moved or was still there.
     About 10 years ago I crossed paths with someone from the old neighborhood and Claudine’s name came up. He mentioned where she worked and I thought I should to go visit.
     This week thoughs of Claudine made me internet search her to find sad news.  Such regret not stopping to ring the doorbell when driving down the street or visiting where she worked 10 years ago.
     Many great memories of her from weekend gatherings back then.  The Cadillac. The Camaro. Always pestering her to grow out natural dark hair.
     One memory that stands out was the only time I did the Toys for Tots parade from Dan Ryan Woods to Humblot Park. It was a cold & sunny early December day either 1987 or 1988. To the best of my memory I was going to do this by myself but ran into Claudine that morning. When I told her what I was up to she wanted to do it to so she rode on the back of my bike.
     The ride was brisk but tolerable out to Humbolt Park at the slow parade speed. Plus we stopped at a few “establishments” along Western for warming breaks. After the toy donation at Humbolt Park we made our way back up Western at regular driving speed but now the sun was setting on the short December day.  We FROZE heading home! At Western and Archer we were so cold and had to stop to warm up at the Burger King for about an hour. Our joints were stiff and we were incredibly numb. Then it was back on the bike up Archer to Pulaski & back to the neighborhood, dropped her off and headed home. Pretty sure it took both of us a day or two to recover.
     So thankful for all the memories.

Claudine & I met in the '80s. We made many memories throughout the time I've known her. Yes, we grew apart as most friends do.  She is often in my thoughts. Call me nostalgic as I tend to reminisce often. 
We would run into each other,  for whatever reason,  and no matter how much time would pass we could still talk as though it were yesterday.  
It's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye.  I will however continue to keep her in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers.

May God help heal the hearts of all her friends and family as they grieve such a great loss. 

It’s an odd thing how life brings people into and out of our lives.  When I look back on my life there are moments and people who I always think about, the ones that had a true impact on me. I frequently think back to the time that I spent with Claudine in reverence.  Although we grew apart with time, I will never forget the long conversations and laughter we shared over the years that we were very close friends. I will miss her. 

Life will not be the same without you, my friend.  Love and miss you always!

Very sad to hear of Claudia's passing shared many laughs and fun times. God bless you and your family.

John and Jackie Bills.

Claudine was a total sweetheart. Kind, soft-spoken, outgoing and a kind soul. She was a classic "COOL CHIC"
Even though I haven't seen you in a while, you are one of the few people that I remember as an awesome gal!!!
You


1974 was when the Rafferty and Salerno family met at Hurley school.  Claudine and my daughter were in kindergarten.   An instant  friendship took root and was nurtured the next 13 years of school.   Band had the girls with clarinets in hand.  Brownies had them dressed in knee high brown socks, brown uniform dress with patches sewed on, and brown beanie on heads.  How excited they were to march in the holiday parade at Ford City Mall.  No coats.  Everyone could see those hard earned patches .  Those growing up years were carefree and fun filled with activities at school, afterwards, and weekends too.  Life was not hi tech.  Phones had cords,  Music was recorded from radio on cassettes or bought that way.  Communication was face to face, by phone,  or writing.  Driving licenses issued at 16 and both were ready.   1983 they graduated Hurley and attended a parochial HS graduating in 87 with Rafferty and Salerno family in audience to see daughter's receive their diploma.   Claudine was timid but giggly  and respectful of others.   She had manners.  "Please" & "Thank You" say it all.  It was a pleasure having her at the house.  Sleepovers got noisy but young girls laugh alot and have secrets to share .  It was an enlightening period for these two girls to grow to be teens and onward to adults.  My heart is heavy with grief.  My deepest sympathy to the Salerno family.  This unexpected  last goodbye is the hardest.   May my memories of her friendship with my daughter bring comfort at a time of such loss.  This 1976 picture has two girls, 7 years old, school chums,  and Claudine sitting right up there next to the birthday girl, her best friend.  It was an extraordinary time for them to grow up together.  Today one journey has ended.  It was a joy knowing a young Claudine as she grew and matured into adulthood and took on the responsibilities of the woman she had become.  There is peace in memories shared. 

Claudine, we were best friends from early on at Hurley School, playing our clarinets in the band, roller skating, Brownies, volleyball, swimming, sleepovers, attending the Walt Disney Magnet School, our almost debut on Kidding Around playing in a clarinet quartet, through our high school days at Queen of Peace going to concerts, driving, parties, new friends, and shopping. Our friendship impacted, encouraged, motivated, and inspired me. Although our life journeys took us on different paths you always carried a special place in my heart. I have cherished the dove you made and signed for me in frosh art class. Your kindness, laughter, gorgeous smile, friendly personality, compassion, adventurousness, curiosity, courage, passion, sincerity, honesty, affection, and true beauty will be missed. You are a gift of love.

Claudine was a bright light every time we saw her. Such a beautiful, sweet woman. We will miss her. 

MY MEMORIES OF CLAUDINE IS WHEN WE LIVED ACROSS THE STREET FROM EACH OTHER.MY SON AND CLAUDINE WOULD  GET TOGETHER AND ROLLER SKATE IN MY BASEMENT. SHE WAS A SWEET GIRL.

“I loved  the nights I can’t remember 
With the friends I’ll never forget “
Claudine 

OBITUARY

Claudine Salerno

February 10, 1969 – October 24, 2021

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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