Obituary of Claudia Ann Tugwell

Tugwell (Lutes), Claudia Ann, of Bedford/Wolfville. Claudia, 70, died peacefully, at home, on June 17th, as a result of cancer. She was born in Moncton, NB, the youngest daughter of Allen and Esther Lutes (Hawkes). Claudia is survived by her husband and best friend Maurice Tugwell, son Stephen (Barna), Halifax, daughter Jill (Adam) Aldred, West Pubnico, four grandchildren: Maya and Sophia Tugwell, Boston and Callahan Aldred; sisters Elaine Lutes, Toronto, Sandra Alexander, Toronto, Janet Nickerson (Richard), Moncton, and several nieces and nephews. Claudia and Maurice met as students at Mount Allison. She went on to complete her BEd (Queen’s), and later, when living with Maurice and family in Vancouver for a sabbatical year, her MEd. For a number of years Claudia taught Junior High students, and later enjoyed private mathematics tutoring. An active community member, Claudia initiated, or helped establish a home library service in Wolfville, teacher job sharing to accommodate the competing demands of family and work place, and children’s play groups. She worked as a Welcome Wagon visitor for a number of years. For ten years she was the CBC Community Contact for Wolfville. Claudia was an active member of St Andrew’s United Church, Wolfville, and subsequently Orchard Valley United, New Minas, and Bedford United. Whether it was the women’s breakfast group, the prayer shawl ministry, or other gatherings of fellow spiritually minded seekers, Claudia listened, contributed, and learned. She benefited greatly from her participation in the Atlantic Jubilee program in spiritual deepening and spiritual direction. “Live contemplatively” and “rest in the unknown” were sign posts for her. To quote from the words of two of her friends: “Your joie de vie, your open and searching heart, your faith, your curiosity, your love . . . have touched our lives, and many others. I know you are at peace with dying . . . that is such a gift to yourself and to others.” Maurice, husband of 47 years, says “Thank you Claudia for the blessing that you were, and continue to be, in our lives.” The family extends sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, and the Cobequid Centre. We also offer our grateful appreciation to the staff of VON and Palliative Care. Thank you Dr. Danny Rayson, medical oncologist. And friends and family your support over the past few weeks has been invaluable. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Bedford. 902-835-4212.A visitation will be held on Monday, June 20th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway, with a Memorial Service on Tuesday, June 21st, at 2:00 pm also in Bedford United Church with a reception in the church hall to follow. Donations in memory may be made to the UCC Mission and Service Fund at www.united-church.ca/donate or to the Lutz/Lutes Family Scholarship given by Lutz Mountain Heritage Foundation, lutzmtnheritage@rogers.com Claudia always hoped to be an organ donor. Unfortunately, she was unable to do so. Please consider signing your donor card.