Claudia J. Quinn, 78, Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG -- Claudia J. Quinn, 78, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Sarasota, FL, surrounded by her loving family.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral, located in Ogdensburg, NY.

Following the Mass, there will be a celebration of Claudia's life at Busters Restaurant in Ogdensburg.

Claudia was born in Albany, NY, on May 23, 1945, to Stanley and Mary (Frodyma) Zelka. She graduated from Colonie Central High School in 1963.

On June 20, 1964, she married her best friend and lifetime love, Howard W. Quinn, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Loudonville, NY. Their love was a source of strength and joy for both of them throughout their lives.

They lived in Rotterdam, NY, for 15 years and then moved to Framingham, MA, where they raised their three children.

Claudia dedicated over 20 years of her professional life as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Finance at Framingham State College.

When she and Howard retired, they purchased a winter home at Sun-n-Fun in Sarasota, Florida, where they enjoyed two decades of friendships, dances, and shows.

She created the Annual NY Wine and Cheese gathering, which often included couples from multiple states and countries. She cherished time and stories with her family and friends.

In the summer, Claudia and Howard found peace at their home in Ogdensburg, NY, along the serene shores of Black Lake.

Claudia loved to go out to eat and shop in Ogdensburg and enjoyed day trips to Clayton and Alexandria Bay to do the same.

Their leisurely strolls and Howard's laughable antics in the yard brought them immense joy. She loved to watch the hummingbirds visit her feeder and tried desperately to keep the barn swallows from nesting on her porch.

Claudia had a deep love for reading, knitting, and crocheting. She had a habit of meticulously jotting down notes in various notebooks, often jokingly admitting she could not always remember which one she had used for a particular entry.

She cherished the warmth and connection she felt during her frequent phone calls with her beloved family and friends.

Her daughter Lisa, especially, will deeply miss their multiple daily conversations on the phone, highlighting the special mother/daughter bond they shared.

She was predeceased by the love of her life, Howard W. Quinn. Their love was a beacon of light for their family and friends, inspiring those around them to cherish every moment with their loved ones.

Claudia is survived by her three children, Lisa (Tyrone) Little of Spencer, MA; Brian (Barbara) Quinn of Ashland, MA; and Kevin (Tara) Quinn of Holliston, MA. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Kyle, Jake, Luke, and Nick Maguire; Brianna and Brenna Quinn; Patrick, Kevin, Danny, Josie, and Tommy Quinn; and two great-grandchildren, Kourtney and Vanessa. Claudia is also survived by her sisters Sheila (Steve) Jones and Linda Zoller, her brothers, Stan (Maureen) Zelka, Tom Zelka, and Jeff (Sandy) Zelka, and her dear sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Fred) Helmer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129.

Online condolences may be made at www.legacy.com.

Claudia will be deeply missed but will forever remain in our hearts. May she rest in peace.