Claudia Vincenza DeFino (née DeLuca), loving wife, mother, and grandmother, was born in Somerville, NJ, on Sept. 2, 1939, and died on March 27, 2020.
The daughter of Anthony and Mary DeLuca, she is survived by her husband, Dominick; her children, Denise Hayes (Buddy), Cristi (Marni), Dominick, and Claudia Johnson (Atiba); her grandchildren, Megan, Brian (Taylor), Steven, and Jonathan; as well as her sister, Elvira Hanken (Dave).
Claudia attended Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in Watchung, NJ, and Berkeley Secretarial School in East Orange, NJ, before working as a secretary at RCA in Somerville, NJ. She and her husband raised their family in Somerville, Bridgewater, and Whitehouse, NJ, where Claudia was known for hosting large, joyful gatherings of families and friends. She opened a restaurant, The Seasons, in Far Hills, NJ, and later ran a catering company called Chefs on the Run. After her children were grown, Claudia graduated from Trinity School of Natural Health, with a degree in Naturopathy, and began sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm about healthy lifestyles with those who were interested. She became an essential oils consultant and a Mercer County Master Gardener. In July of 2019, Claudia achieved her dream of opening a bed and breakfast in Ocean Grove, NJ.
She celebrated her 80th birthday at her Ocean Park Inn on Sept. 2, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Claudia was a vibrant, generous woman who lived life to the fullest and was a friend to everyone she met. She was devoted to her family, especially her four grandchildren, who were the apple of her eye. Claudia loved Jesus, joyfully witnessed to His faithfulness in her life. She was active in her church and enjoyed close ties with her church family. Claudia’s hobbies included cooking, gardening, and playing bridge. She had very dear friends, too many to be named, who will miss her deeply. Rest in peace, Mom/Gram, we love you!
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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