Obituary of Claudia Sladicka

On January 14, 2025, Claudia Sladicka, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away at age 80, surrounded by her family. Claudia's life was a testament to love, faith, and kindness, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born on March 23, 1944 in Simpson, PA, Claudia spent the majority of her life of over 40 years in Honesdale, PA where she lived a life filled with purpose and joy. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Sladicka with whom she shared a beautiful marriage of 57 years. Together, they created a home filled with laughter, love, and unwavering support.

Claudia was a proud and devoted mother to her four children and an ever-present and loving grandmother to her eleven grandchildren. She poured her heart into raising her family, teaching her children and grandchildren the values of kindness, gentleness, patience, faith and love. Her greatest joy came from spending her time with the love of her life, Joseph, and watching her family grow and thrive. She enjoyed and made a point of spending individualized time talking with each of her grandchildren which resulted in making them feel valued and loved. She was so supportive… her family's greatest cheerleader... always praising and offering encouraging words. Her love for her family knew no bounds.

Claudia was a graduate of Fell High School, Class of 1961, ranking 6th in her class. In her earlier career, Claudia worked as a secretary for the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. She later pursued various roles to support her family, including administrative assistant positions in insurance and law, real estate agent, and saleswoman with Electrolux vacuum cleaners. Claudia found joy in singing and was an active member of the Forest City Community Chorus. She also enjoyed bowling and traveling the country with her husband, presenting "Stars in Your School" planetarium programs to elementary schools.

A deeply spiritual woman, Claudia's faith was the foundation of her life. She found strength in her beliefs and shared that strength with those around her, offering guidance, comfort, and hope in times of need. Her kind heart and generous spirit touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on her community. Claudia was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Glen Mills, PA. Previously, she was a dedicated member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale, PA where she served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Claudia will be remembered for her radiant and contagious smile, her gentle wisdom, and her ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. She had a unique gift for finding beauty in life's simplest moments and encouraging others to do the same.

In addition to her parents, William and Rose (Ewonishon) Harris, Claudia was preceded in death by her brother, William Harris Jr. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph J. Sladicka; four children, Melissa (Rich) Jones, Shelly (Mike) Kossey, Joe Sladicka, and Sean (Jenny) Sladicka; and eleven cherished grandchildren: Ashley, Alex, and Erica Jones; Kaitlyn and Kyle Purvis; Tommy and David Kossey; Olivia, Charlotte, and Joseph Sladicka; and Sydney Sladicka. She is now reunited with loved ones who have passed before her, resting peacefully in the embrace of God.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 9:15 to 10:45 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA, followed by an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will take place at St. Thomas Church Cemetery.

Donations in her memory will be directed toward the attentive and caring staff members of Foulk Living where Claudia resided for the past six months. The care provided to her by these individuals on a daily basis was beyond measure, and we do wish to recognize their dedication. Please  email donationsforfoulkliving@yahoo.com for more information. Online condolences may be shared at www.paganofuneralhome.com.