Claudia Bibbins Brougham was born in Burton, Vashon Island, Washington, on October 18, 1938, a third generation pioneer Islander.

All of her pre-college education, grades one through twelve, were fulfilled on the Island.

Following graduation from Vashon High School, she worked for Beal Greenhouse Co. sorting orchids and roses in preparation for shipment throughout the U.S. One year later she enrolled at WSU and later received a B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry. She was a member of the Lariat Club and was given a special horse from the Veterinary Department, which no one else was able to ride. She and that horse were “friends” all the years she was there.

After graduation at WSU, Claudia remained there working for two research doctors as a Lab Technician, doing research concerning human DNA/RNA. When the grant was completed, she moved to Seattle and became a Lab Technician at the University of Washington Research Department focusing on epilepsy. It was during this time she realized her desire was to teach what she enjoyed most…Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Anatomy. She returned to WSU and obtained her teaching degree and Washington State Certification.

Claudia taught at West Valley High School in Yakima and then in the Enumclaw School District. With her free time and Crystal Mountain close by, she took up snow skiing in the winter months and then white water kayaking in the spring and summer months; she achieved the level of Class 6 in white water kayaking. She loved anything outdoors including running, target practicing, swimming, water skiing, and hiking mountains. In the early 1960s, she was one of the first women to climb to the summit of Mount Rainier.

When she married, she gave up teaching and worked for Renton Boeing as a swing shift expediter, which provided better daily schedules to pursue her athletic and outdoor interests.

All of these joyous achievements came to a sudden climax when she suffered a serious auto accident while on her way to work, December 21, 1981. The accident left her with a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI, from which she never recovered.

She spent her remaining years at the Amber Waves Care Facility in Waterville, Washington where she received loving, Christian-centered care. The staff spent time reading Scripture to her, singing, and playing her favorite hymns which she was able to enjoy.

On Saturday, September 16, 2017, Claudia went to be with her Lord and Savior, a relationship that began as a child and cherished all of her life.

Arrangements provided by EdwardsMemorial.com and IslandFuneral.com.