In Loving Memory
Claudia Jean Czekaj

Claudia Jean Czekaj, of Chewelah, WA, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2021 in Spokane, WA. She was born on April 4, 1959 in Chicago, IL to Herbert and Helen (Fouser) Mackey.

Claudia was the youngest of 5 children and the only daughter born in the bedroom of her parents' home. The family lived in Chicago until she was about 10 years old and then moved to Oak Park, IL. She attended school and graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School with the class
of 1978. In 1986 Claudia enlisted into the United States Air Force before her honorable discharge, a time of her life she was deeply proud of. Claudia began working for Wheaton College where she met Robert Czekaj who also worked at the college. They had a short courtship before being married on the 7th of March in 1993. Claudia and Robert would welcome two boys into their lives, Stephen and Matthew. She worked for a time at the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company then turned her attention to earning her AA degree in medical records.

Family vacations would consist of visiting the Wisconsin Dells at least once each summer and winter. The summer visits focused on riding the famous 'Dells Army Ducks' on Lake Delton as well as visiting the many other amusement, theme and water parks around the Wisconsin Dells.
Claudia began to drive school buses and did so for many years; something that she thoroughly enjoyed and would volunteer at her local church. She was a very influential person who was determined and strong willed and had an amazing sense of humor. Claudia was very close to her
family and eventually her family moved to Chewelah to be close to her brother, Clifford and his wife, Clarice and to be close to her niece, Caite and her children. Claudia's loving, compassionate and selfless nature emboldened her to take in Ryne, Sean and C.J., friends of their children, and care for them as if they were her own. She had a huge impact on their lives and the lives of many people that knew her best.

She is survived by her own siblings (William, Clifford, James, David), her husband (Robert), her children (Stephen and Matthew), her extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. She now enjoys a reunion in heaven with family and friends who have passed on earlier.

Please visit the online memorial and sign her guest book at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com . Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in her care.

In lieu of sending flowers, it is the wish of the family that you consider sponsoring a planted tree (either local to your area or more national). Cards of sympathy and support would be welcomed by Robert and the boys.