Claudia Darlene Brundin
Oct. 10, 1945 — Oct. 30, 2024

Claudia was born in Arcata to Oscar Eric Brundin Sr. and Margaret Annie Champion Brundin. At only 4 pounds she was a miracle baby. She was also affectionately known as “Sister” and “Auntie.”

Claudia lived in Blue Lake most of her life, lived on family property that is on the Blue Lake Rancheria. She loved animals — she will be greatly missed by her dog Betsy and parrot Brat. Betsy would look forward to the daily trip to the Riptide Café where Auntie got a hot mocha and Betsy got a treat.

Claudia had a really rough last year — with fluid buildup in her body, weakness, asthma and COPD.

She worked many jobs before starting at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka. She went on to be Head of Housekeeping, working there for 34 years. Also during those years she worked tirelessly for the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe. As chairperson she was involved in all aspects of the planning and building of Blue Lake Casino and Hotel and worked as the Director of Housekeeping for the Casino and Hotel.

Auntie was the Secretary for the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal council and then Tribal Chairperson starting in 1994. She was part of the founding members for the Blue Lake Rancheria. She was very proud of the accomplishments of the Rancheria.

She had many interests – collecting stamps, making and painting ceramics, crocheting, collecting coats, movie theatre popcorn, basket weaving and Christmas. Claudia loved taking trips first with her parents to get out of doing chores. She took many trips with Penny Stephenson and her father Robert (good friends). On trips that her dad drove – he wouldn’t let her open the windows or stop for the restroom … or get out of the car to see the cousins or anything else.

Diane Holliday was a huge part of Auntie’s life. Diane came to live with the family when she was 18 years old and never left. Diane was our honorary aunt. They had many adventures together from driving cars that would break down to trying to ride canoes down the Russian River and losing everything – including wallets and glasses. Trips with Arla Ramsey who would walk everywhere very fast and the hotels were terrible but they were the cheapest.

There were lots and lots of trips to Disneyland with all of the nieces and nephews. Other favorite destinations were Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Reno. Dorothy McKinnon was her partner in crime at the casinos.

Auntie spent many years caring for her mother, Margaret. Auntie also liked to bake. The AT& T repairman was at our house once and, pointing to Auntie’s house, he said “That is where the cream puff lady lives.”

Auntie loved taking care of us kids. Rusty and Jody spent a lot of time here when they were young. She just loved all of us kids. The great nephews were the beasty boys. Auntie and Aunt Diane would take us to the movie theatre often – we just loved it. They would show up at our house on Christmas morning at dark thirty (they had to work) and wake us up to be able to share Christmas with us.

She would occasionally call and start the conversation with “You know how I hate to complain” and then she would let you know what was bugging her – usually that Jeopardy was moved or not on - then she would laugh and laugh!

“Hello cutie” was another salutation.

She spent most of her life taking care of others. It was a privilege to be able to take care of her the last couple of years. A big thank you to Charise for being there and taking care of Auntie especially over the last 3-4 months. We loved her so much. We will all miss her. She leaves a big hole in our family and our hearts.

Claudia leaves behind numerous family and friends including:

Brother – Howard “Mike” Brundin and Nikki, Aunt Martha Losh, Cousins – Lois Crawford, Linda Ainger, Rosemary Graves, Vern Losh(Teresa), Vanessa Freeland, Melissa McCann, Carrie and Kristi Hoerauf

Nieces and Nephews – Charise Shackelford, Audrey (David) Baldosser, Jody (Kristy) Brundin, Rusty McMorrow . Great nephews – Gabe Shackelford, Mike ( Kelsay) Shackelford, Jace Baldosser and Fiancé Ana Avila, Nathan Baldosser, Andrew and Sean Brundin ,Shanna Morrill, Tanya Ganfield, Amber Burgess, Ron and David Ainger

Friends too numerous to name – but a few, Jacqueline Perez, Julie Soper, Linda Daggs, Chong Pyon, Maria Trip, Arla Ramsey

The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe has been a great part of her life. Thank you for being there for her all of these years.

Preceded by: parents Oscar Eric Brundin Sr. Margaret Annie Brundin (Champion), Brothers- Butch and David Brundin, Aunt Norma Hoerauf (Roger), Aunt Cora Harris, Aunt Irene Wilson, Uncle Vern Losh, Best friend- Diane Holliday

A celebration of life will be held at the Sapphire Palace at the Blue Lake Casino at 1 o’clock on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Claudia Brundin’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.