Claudia Lake Szczechowski, 67, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully from complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Monday afternoon, December 10, 2018, under the compassionate care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Born in Toledo, Ohio, on Tuesday, June 26, 1951, she was the third of three daughters born to the union of Charles and Louise Obrzut Lake. In her youth, she attended St. Hedwig Elementary School and, as a teenager, Claudia attended Calvin M. Woodward High School and was an extremely proud member of the Class of 1969. In addition to her memberships in numerous clubs and organizations, she was actively involved and faithfully served as a class officer, a member of the yearbook staff, and as a cheerleader. Upon high school graduation, she enrolled in the Community and Technical College at Toledo University from where she earned an associate’s degree in computer programming. Over the years, Claudia enjoyed working at Red Wexler’s Carry Out, Toledo Optical, Subway, and for the Kroger Company in various capacities and being a contributing member of her class Reunion Committee. Prior to becoming a member of St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church approximately 40 years ago, she was a loyal parishioner of St. Hedwig Church.

Claudia was always the happiest when she was spending time with family and friends. The proud mother of three children, she was their #1 consummate cheerleader throughout their lives and continued to encourage and support her grandchildren in all of their endeavors. Left to cherish Claudia’s memory are her children: Charles (Christine), Julie (Roger Moungie), and Tony (Erica). Mimi’s grandchildren, Samantha, Grayson, and Reid, will remember Mimi for her special PJ parties and her devotion to them, including soon-to-be born Carter. Her sisters, Ann Stump and Carolyn (David) Yenrick, will forever hold her close through treasured memories. Her nephews and nieces, Daryl (Angie) Johnson, Nicole (Ryan) Warner, Andrew Stump, Jacob (Lauren) Stump, and Katherine (Joe Salameh) Yenrick, will certainly miss their Aunt Cowie. In addition to her best friend forever and casino buddy Kyle Hudson Lublin, she is survived by her brother-in-law Ronald (Carla) Szczechowski. Preceding Claudia in death were her parents, former husband Marion Szczechowski Jr., and her stepfather Vincent Velasquez.

The family will receive friends at the Newcomer Southwest Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, Ohio (419.381.1900) on Sunday, December 16, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. where a Scripture Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 17, 2018, at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Claudia’s memory to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Claudia’s family extends its sincere appreciation to the entire staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg.

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