Claudia Jan Smith

Claudia Jan Smith, 82 of Arroyo Seco, Greenfield, Calif., passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023, with her family surrounding her. Claudia was born on Feb. 1, 1941, to Alfred and Madeline Frances Corda in King City, Calif. She was raised in Greenfield with her brother, Alfred Corda, attending Greenfield Elementary and King City High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Smith, in 1960. Claudia was employed at Basic Foods and then with Cornnuts, Inc. for over 35 years.

Claudia and Jerry raised three daughters: Dana (Paul) Guidotti, of Arroyo Seco, Greenfield; Lisa (Randy) Rich of Springfield, Mo.; Cara (Rick) Cirillo of Eagle, Idaho; and have eight Grandchildren, Morgan (Austin) Shoemaker, Taylor (Ellie) Rich, Macie (Anthony) Ponseigo; Hannah (Sean Steele) Guidotti, Madeline Guidotti, Seth Guidotti; Claire Cirillo, Parker Cirillo; and niece, Courtney Corda. She also was lucky to have five great-grandchildren. Claudia was presided in death by her husband of 56 years, Jerry Smith; her parents, Alfred and Madeline Frances Corda; and her brother and his wife Alfred and Ruth Corda.

Claudia loved to sew, knit, embroidery and she even took up painting. There are many sweaters, hats and scarves she has given to family and friends. She even shared her talents with family and friends along with teaching 4-H Sewing. She loved to attend musical plays locally and afar. There were many wonderfully camping trips with family and friends, with Pismo Beach being the most popular destination. Nacimiento Lake was a favorite place with family, learning and teaching water skiing.

Claudia was a King City High School cheerleader and GAA member. She was an American Red Cross swimming instructor at the Greenfield pool for many years. She was a founding member of the Greenfield Broccoli festival and treasurer of the Arroyo Seco Citizens Association for many years. She also was a member and treasurer of the local Garden Club and enjoyed keeping her garden full of flowers.

Services will be held at the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad on 36641 Fort Romie Road in Soledad on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. In-lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to: Convoy of Hope, PO Box 1125, Springfield, MO 65801; wwwconvoyofhope.org; or the Soledad Mission, PO Box 515, Soledad, CA 93960.

Published in King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune · March 13, 2023