Claudia Christine Haenni
1/4/1943 — 9/13/2026
A Life Remembered
Obituary
It is with deep sadness and grateful hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Claudia Christine Harris, who passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by those she loved. God has now called her home.
Born on January 4, 1943, in Calgary, Alberta, Claudia lived a life marked by grace, kindness, and an unwavering love for her family. Sweet, lovely and magnificent. A job well done, faithful servant.
She spent part of her working life with Calgary Legal Guidance and Social Services, but one of her greatest callings was being a homemaker and mother to her two daughters, Rhonda and Ramona. Family was always at the center of her life, and she often said, "Your family is the most important thing in your life." It was a truth she faithfully lived every day.
Claudia was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Haenni, in 2025. After sharing 62 years together, she is now reunited with the love of her life. Their enduring love and the life they built together remain a cherished legacy within the family they leave behind.
Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother brought Claudia immense joy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest blessings, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Although dementia gradually took many memories, it never diminished her love for babies and children. Even in her final days, her nurturing spirit shone through. Those who cared for and visited her often remarked that it was easy to see she had been a wonderful mother.
At the heart of Claudia's life was her deep faith in Christ. It was not merely spoken but demonstrated daily through her compassion, generosity, and love. She modeled grace, humility, and showed her devotion to God, leaving her family a legacy of faith that will continue for generations.
Claudia found joy in life's simple pleasures and adventures. She loved skiing, square dancing, camping in Sundre, golfing, traveling, attending concerts, playing games, singing, and playing the piano. She possessed a creative spirit and a gift for bringing people together. Whether preparing a special meal, decorating for a celebration, or organizing games for family gatherings, she made every occasion memorable and filled with laughter. We will remember the silliness, the dancing, the goofy playfulness and joy she brought to our lives.
She also enjoyed writing stories, poems, and letters filled with encouragement and wisdom. She had a special gift for expressing love and hope through words, often reminding others to enjoy life, be happy, and always do their best.
Her advice was simple yet profound:
"My advice to you now is simply be good. Good is such a variable word. Good as in kind, or the best you can be. Good in your choices, or you won't be free. Don't waver, stand firm in all that you do. To thine own heart and self, always be true.
You've got lots of riches within your soul, so be good to yourself and make it your goal. Don't ever let anyone put you down. Don't give them the power to make you frown. Stand firm for what you believe is right. It's worth the struggle and worth the fight.
At the end of the road, in the mirror you'll see that your family loved you, and with that you'll agree."
These words beautifully reflect the way Claudia lived. She understood that a life well lived is measured not by possessions or accomplishments, but by love, kindness, and the memories we leave behind.
A talented quilter and artist, Claudia founded the Northern Lights Quilting Guild and devoted countless hours to creating quilts for those in need. Her quilts were far more than handmade treasures. They were gifts of comfort, compassion, and service.
Quilting reflected her approach to life. Piece by piece, she brought people together to create something beautiful and lasting. Her quilts remain treasured reminders of her generosity, creativity, and love. Long after her hands have grown still, they will continue to wrap family and friends in the warmth she so freely shared.
Much like her quilts, Claudia's life was thoughtfully stitched together with color, beauty, faith, and love. We will remember her cheerful giggle, her joyful singing and dancing, her playful spirit, and the delight she found in making others smile and laugh.
Though her hands are now still and her voice is quiet, her love continues to speak through the generations.
Claudia is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rhonda (Darryl) Gogol and Ramona (Wray) Kinsella; her five grandchildren; and her twelve great-grandchildren:
- Samantha (Matt) Fanning and their children Kipton, Gunner, Oakley, and Archer
- Carson (Sarah) Gogol and their daughter Evelyn
- Kirsten (Paul) Petrich and their children Samuel, Lucy, and Rosie
- Ashley (Luke) Crosby and their children James and Violet
- Emily (Brad) Kemp and their children Brooks and Delaney
The path she leaves behind is one illuminated by kindness, faith, and joy, teaching us always to look for the bright side of life and to live as though heaven touches earth.
Those we love never truly leave us. Their love remains within us, guiding us, comforting us, and becoming part of who we are.
We love you, Mom. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Provided by
Cochrane Country Funeral Home