Claudia Jeanne Carson

Claudia Jeanne Carson, beloved wife, mother and sister; respected member of the West Orange, New Jersey Education Community, and resident of The Villages, Florida passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, after a courageous eight-year battle against Breast Cancer. She was sixty years old.

Claudia lived her life to the fullest; each day with a smile on her face, joy in her heart and her mind set to help everyone around her. Claudia impacted the lives of everyone she came in contact with and we are all better for her love, care and interest she took in each of our lives.

Claudia dedicated her life to teaching special needs children. She knew every child has great potential and is capable of amazing accomplishments. She found her professional home at Edison Middle School in West Orange, New Jersey; where she not only taught and impacted the lives of countless students, but also mentored numerous young teachers.

Born July 24, 1956; Claudia was raised in West Caldwell, New Jersey; the daughter of Harry Winfield Coad and Jeanne McDonald Coad, and sister to Thomas Harry Coad. Claudia graduated from West Caldwell High School and went onto Ramapo College for her undergraduate degree and Montclair State University for her Master's Degree in Special Education.

Claudia left New Jersey for a short while as she and her first love and husband, Gary Parascand, traveled cross country in a Honda Civic. Many of her favorite places on Earth, such as Lake Tahoe and Oregon, were discovered while on their journey. Claudia always spoke of the fond memories and exquisite natural beauty of Lake Tahoe and the Pacific Northwest and daydreamed of someday returning to live in a log cabin nestled in the woods.

Claudia and Gary raised their children, Karina John and Jared Joseph, in Summit, New Jersey were they quickly became involved in the community. Claudia was a long time member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Summit and enjoyed singing in the choir. She would also joke with her signature smirk on her face that she was "That Mom" cheering her kids onto victory on the football field or basketball court while enjoying every moment.

Claudia later resided in Basking Ridge, New Jersey with her second husband, Clark Carson. She enjoyed the openness of the countryside and made new and treasured friends quickly.

Claudia was an avid runner and walker. She enjoyed her moments of peace, fresh air and exercise. She completed several marathons. A day rarely escaped without her finding her way to the pavement. Later in her life she played golf and enjoyed her Saturday morning Tee Times with her friends.

Claudia was an active member in her Bible Study Group. The study of the Word of the Lord and the women she discussed it with gave her great strength and peace as she fought her cancer and said her goodbyes. She was a certified volunteer facilitator with Rainbows for Children International. She found great joy and purpose in being able to assist children in their bereavement process.

Claudia and her husband Clark moved to The Villages, Florida in 2013, and immediately embraced "The Villages way of life". Claudia and Clark enjoyed classes at recreational centers, community events, volunteering and socializing with new and lifelong friends alike.

Another great love in Claudia's life were her children and grandchildren; her grandchildren called her CC. CC adored her very special grandma name that was anointed upon her and answered with a smile and laughter when beckoned. CC never missed a birthday, an opportunity to have a heart to heart conversation on a swing or just a chance to sit on the floor and play monster trucks or dollies.

Claudia's favorite way to relax and unwind was to find a spot next to the water and share a glass of wine with the people she loved. She could often be found sitting on the wall overlooking Lake Sumter, sharing a cocktail with her beloved friend, Doris Konvalinka, and others. As her time was coming to an end, she remarked that she will find a nice spot to sit, talk and have a drink; that when her girlfriends arrive in Heaven, she will be waiting.

Claudia is preceded in death by her parents; Jeanne McDonald Coad and Harry Winfield Coad, her first husband, Gary Parascand, her daughter Karina John Parascand, her sister–in–law, Renate Gerger Parascand and her sweet cat, Cubby.

Claudia is survived by her husband, Clark Matherson Carson of The Villages, FL; her brother, Thomas Harry Coad and his companion Jane Fleming of Henryville, PA; her son, Jared Joseph Parascand, his wife Jennifer; and her grandchildren, Abigail Garland and Garrison Joseph of San Antonio, TX; her grandson Michael Richard Seiz of Califon, NJ; her step-daughter Elizabeth Ann Carson Cavazos and her husband Dario; and her step-grandchildren Quincy John and Silas Carson of Ijamsville, MD; her step-son Robert Clayton Carson of Towacco, NJ; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sister and brother-in-law's.

Services will be held at Fairway Christian Church, 251 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, Florida 32162 on Saturday, January 7, 2016 at 11:00am. There will be a reception at Fairway Church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Claudia Carson.