Claudia Calippe-Matacotta, 81, of Brownwood passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Sunday, May 5, 2013.
She was born July 22, 1931, in France to Gustave and Marie-Louise Daval Calippe.
Claudia moved to Canada in 1959 and to the United States in 1965. She had been a resident of Brownwood/Early since 1970.
She is survived by one son, Joshua Matacotta of California, four step-children, Linda Calvillo and Michelle Matacotta of Florida, Ernest Matacotta of Georgia, and Sandra Ward of Early. Also, two brothers and one sister, Benjamin Calippe of France, Gerard Calippe of San Marcos, and Marie-Louise Calippe of France, and a niece, Brigitte Combs, of Virginia. There are several step-grand-children, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the USA and in France. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, sewing doll clothes, playing games like Skip-Bo and backgammon (especially if she won), and most of all her animals. Among those left behind are her little dogs, Pancho and Pepito.
Claudia was unique – from her fashion sense and ornery manner to the way she would correct people’s misspellings. But Claudia, or “Frenchy” as she was known to many, had a big heart and gave a lot of love. She wrote many handwritten letters and never forgot a birthday.
Cremation was under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home. There will be a private memorial for family.
Memorial donations in her memory may be given to the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center.
Friends are invited to sign the guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net