Claudia was born March 6, 1920 in Danville, WA the oldest child of Claude and C. Madge Brinkman. On December 17, 1939, Claudia married Albin Nelson and for the next 50 years they lived on Little Goosemus Creek, outside Curlew. Not only his lifelong partner, but Claudia was Albin's bookkeeper for his sawmill/logging operation, Nelson Lumber. Together they raised three children: Dale (Elaine) Nelson of Anchorage, AK, Gary (Mary) Nelson of Curlew and Lois (Allen) Bremner of Cheney. In September 1989, Claudia and Albin moved to Cheney.

During her children's school years, Claudia was an active part of the PTA, a willing driver for selling annual ads and followed the basketball and baseball teams and later her grandchildren's sporting events. She served as secretary for over twenty-five years for Malo Grange #679 of which she was a member for over 70 years. She belonged to Eastern Star in Republic and in Cheney.

Claudia was preceded in death by her brothers; David and Glenn, her parents and her husband, Albin.

She is survived by her children, four grandchildren, three great grand-children, Sister Margery Simanton, sisters-in-law Aleen Brinkman and Helen Brinkman, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013 11:00 AM at the Curlew Civic Hall. Interment will follow at the Danville Cemetery.

Claudia loved flowers, but cut flowers wilting made her sad. In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charity, Shriners Children Hospital or the Cheney Care Center.