Thelma “Claudia” Caldwell from Elm
1934-2021
Salt Lake City, UT – Our resilient mother left this life early on Tuesday, December 14th, while she slept peacefully, for the next stage.
Mom grew up on the avenues of Salt Lake City. She was surrounded by her maternal aunts, who lived just blocks away and were always present and responsible. Claudia was raised by her beautiful mother, LaRue Larsen Caldwell, and her loving father, Claude Caldwell. She was the oldest of five children, three brothers and one sister, all of whom were her best friends. She attended local schools and graduated from East High School.
As a teenager she worked at the ZCMI, where she met the young sailor Paul von Elm. They married and had three children. They moved to Southern California with their family and welcomed other daughters. The beach and local parks were their daily playgrounds.
Life threw her a curveball and she made the brave decision to wrap up her five children and headed back to Salt Lake City. No small thing, considering that it was the mid-60s to the 70s and her youngest was just 3 months old.
She was lucky enough to fall in love a few times. While turning down some marriage proposals, she insisted that her children be her primary focus and insisted on raising them on their own terms.
Mom had two or three jobs to feed and raise her children and their friends. Starting out as a file clerk, Claudia climbed the corporate ladder and became Head Claims Manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Other insurance companies vied for her expertise and she followed suit.
Mom retired early and settled in Bedford, Wyoming, where she fell in love with the majestic wilderness and wild life around her. They built two log houses with uninterrupted views of the Bridger National Forrest. Her new chapter included her real cowboy / horse whisperer, Gene Black, whom she loved dearly, and a chocolate laboratory called Cocoa (which we found amusing when we grew up and weren’t allowed to own a dog).
Her health dictated her final move with her children. They loved her to the end. Her daughter Kristine looked after her lovingly and, to be honest, kept her with us for much longer than the hospice had predicted. We are forever grateful to Kristine and her husband Rob for their sacrifice and love.
Mom had a passion for crossword puzzles, books, puzzles, wine, music, snappy debates and lots of dancing everywhere and everywhere! She stood up for the underprivileged, neglected, and abused by volunteering with Sugarhouse Mental Health.
She had an admiration and deep respect for the Native American people and their culture. She felt they were being given a rough deal and often gave her opinion. Her home was filled with authentic woven carpets, as well as kachina dolls and other artifacts. She loved it so much that she bought a loom and started weaving as a hobby.
Our hearts will long for their tight hugs, well beyond average pressures. If you were lucky enough to get one, you know, and you wanted another.
Her whole being was filled beyond measure by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whenever she held a newborn baby, she would look them in the eye and say, “You are exactly what I ordered! We are blessed!”
Her fingers grew longer, her hair more silver, her wrinkles deeper. She loved spending endless hours crocheting tons of Afghan blankets for every baby, toddler, teenager, adult, and special friend. She called them “my hugs while I’m away”. Now we will wrap ourselves in these precious gifts and stay in them a little longer.
This particular woman loved us enough to survive a lonely life without her. Not too many would be able to accomplish what this woman did, and she did it all in high heels and a dress … and sometimes a miniskirt too!
She … was … FABULOUS!
Claudia leaves behind a large, close-knit family, which also includes her five children; Valerie (Jim) Jenkins, Kurt (JoAnne) von Elm,
Stacy (Brad) Morris, Kristine (Rob) von Elm, Gretchen von Elm.
Claudia also leaves her four siblings:
Michael (Delores) Caldwell, Nolan (Sherry) Caldwell,
Lynda (Tom) Woodhead, Stan (Leah) Caldwell
Claudia also leaves her 12 grandchildren:
Paul, Preston, Jarvis, Ashlee, Tiffany, Natalie, Erik, Tony, Skyler, Malcolm, Winston, Quentin; as well as 13 perfect great-grandchildren.
Claudia’s death was preceded by her parents and her first-born granddaughter Lindsey Morris (Nov. 2004), with whom she now dances.
Claudia’s family thanks her care team from Active Home, Health & Hospiz. Sister Mike, you are a rock star and you kicked it out of the park for four years! Amy and Hannah you were amazing! Our mother loved and appreciated your tenderness and care. Sweet Genesis, thank you for your steadfast support and endless guesswork. You are considered Claudia’s last friend.
We love all of you!
A private digging service will chair. A “celebration of life” will be scheduled at a later date.
Instead of flowers, please spend time with a loved one. Pull for the underdog. Feed a helpless person or animal. Bring a long lost friend for lunch. Hug for more than 3 seconds.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune December 17-21, 2021.
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