Claudia Jane "C.J." Chittenden's Obituary
Claudia Jane “C.J.” Chittenden, age 56, of Spring Lake passed away September 23, 2005, in Nunica at the home of her long time friend Cheryl Truscott. Claudia was like a mother to Cheryl’s children Teena and David. Claudia was born in Muskegon and grew up in Spring Lake with her parents Leon and the late Mildred Jane (Vink) Chittenden.
C.J.’s imagination and creativity was acknowledged with a Citation of Merit from the American Legion Auxilliary, Department of Michigan, as evidence of outstanding effort and accomplishment. The award by the Joint Poppy Committee to C.J. was an official acknowledgement of the merit of the student’s entry in the poster contest of 1959.
She was a baptized member of Spring Lake Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir when Greg Bryson was director and organist.
Her class of 1967 was the first graduating class of Spring Lake High School. During her senior year she received the National Choral Award in recognition of singular merit, ability and achievement of outstanding contributions to the success of the school vocal program and of an unusual degree of loyalty and cooperation, by the general consent of the faculty and school officials. She was a member of the choir for five years. A certificate of Achievement in recognition of outstanding ability in salesmanship, business proficiency and Spring Lake School spirit was also presented to her. One of her many jobs was working for cable TV and creating her own commercials.
She was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for the 1999/2000 season as Soloist in the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus.
Not only was she the lead singer but, a singing actress and entertainer/comedian in several bands. They were known as; “Unique”, “Sequel”, “Spice”, “Steppin’ Out” and “Full House”. C.J. and her brother Todd could make you “split your britches” laughing so hard.
The Muskegon County Court appointed by family special advocate program (Court Judge Gregory Pittman) awarded a certificate to her for completion of a 30 hour training program as a volunteer, committed to working in the best interest of children.
C.J. would sew doll clothes and donate the dolls to needy children. She and Cheryl Truscott did child care in their home for 6 years. Both also made a variety of arts and crafts known as C&C Enterprises. She played softball for The Boeve Comets and enjoyed fishing and sitting on the beach when she wasn’t doing makeovers on houses or collecting antiques. She also enjoyed feeding birds, caring for horses, pigmy goats, fish and her loyal guardian dog “Buddie”.
She is survived by her father and step-mother Leon (Mary) Chittenden of Spring Lake, brother Todd Leon (Nancy) Chittenden of Crete, IL. and a sister Julia Mae (Michael) Jones of Thompsonville, MI. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends. She was preceded in death by her mother in 1987.
A memorial service for Claudia will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Friends may meet the family following the service for a luncheon at the church. Interment preceded the service at Spring Lake cemetery. Memorials to Hospice of Muskegon/Oceana or to assist the family, are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com
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