Obituary of Claudia Cohen

Claudia Cohen, passed away February 14, 2022.

Well, the joke’s on me.  Not that I thought I’d live forever, but if you’re reading this, I’m gone.  It’s been a kick, this business of living.

Coming of age in the Sixties, I was prey to all the issues of my youth: Viet Nam, Martin John and Bobby. Kent State, Woodstock, Peace, Love, and never trust anyone over thirty.  We thought we’d teach the world to sing….

The contrast between the person I thought I was and the creature I turned out to be is a constant source of wonder and amusement to me.  The windmills I thrashed at were largely of my own creation, and the answer to “What’s it all about, Alfie?”  is this: Grow until the skin you live in fits like a comfortable old sneaker.  Know that life is wonderful and perfect even when it isn’t.  The child of the Sixties would find me kind of, well, ordinary.  But I’ve learned that nobody-nobody-is truly ordinary.  

I’ve been constantly surprised by good fortune:  I was born into a terrific family, a family who knows how to love unconditionally, how to laugh long and hard; I stumbled into a blessing of friends-all of whom I know the importance of laughter, especially at one’s own expense, and how to take care of each other.  I even lucked out with where I lived-gardens, woods, wildlife, neighbors who became family.

And I was a teacher!  - How great is that?!  I had a job I loved, a job that counted for something. 

Those who went before me were my parents, Sig and Berniece (Prescott) Nygaard; my sister, Margie Stauber (Tony), baby sister, Donna; brothers, Don Nygaard (Romayne) and Jim Nygaard (Pat).  Also my adored and wise animal pals: Louie Jenny, Cluney, Dylan, Cokie, Rusty and Nani.

I’m survived by 17 delightful nieces and nephews with assorted spice; 28 great-nieces and nephews; and one wee great-grand niece.  Also by Bill, Anne, Alice, Sylvie, and Michael, my neighborhood almost-family.

Special thanks to all of you who hung in there and helped every day; you know who you are.  To my special buds, Wendy, K-H, and Daphne: Y’done good.

‘Nuff said.  No Memorial Service, please.  Take care of each other, laugh often, love lots.  See ya!  Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth.