In memory of Claudette Banks
- Jimmy Naudi
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
A Life of Quiet Brilliance and Fierce Devotion
Claudie lived with a rare combination of gentleness and determination. She never needed to be the loudest voice in the room; her presence was felt through her actions, her integrity, and the unwavering care she offered to others. Her life was defined by purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to the people she loved and the children she served.
Her Calling as a Teacher of the Deaf
Teaching was never just a job for Claudie — it was her calling. As a Teacher of the Deaf, she dedicated herself to ensuring that every child she worked with felt seen, supported, and capable. She championed disadvantaged children with quiet ferocity, always prepared, always thorough, and always unwilling to let any child be left behind. Her colleagues admired her standards; her students felt her belief in them. Her impact will continue to echo through the lives she helped shape.
A Family Built on Love
Family was at the centre of everything Claudie did. When she and Robert built their blended family, she embraced Lottie with the same wholehearted love she later poured into Daniel and Freddie. She never distinguished between “step” and “biological” — to her, family was chosen every day through patience, humour, and devotion.She was a soulmate, a partner, and a steadying force. Together, she and Robert created a home filled with warmth, music, and the kind of everyday tenderness that becomes a legacy.
Her Character and Her Light
Claudie was known for her meticulous nature — her lists, her planning, her thoughtful touches. She approached life with care and intention, balancing her thoroughness with a dry wit and a soft, grounding humour. She stood up for what mattered, loved without hesitation, and carried herself with quiet strength.Her values were simple and unwavering: love deeply, protect the vulnerable, do things properly, and never lose sight of what truly matters.
Her Lasting Legacy
Claudie’s influence lives on in the children she taught, the colleagues she inspired, and the family she shaped with such devotion. It lives in Daniel and Freddie’s kindness, in Lottie’s resilience, and in the stories and memories that continue to be shared.Her life was not defined by its length, but by its depth — by the countless small acts of love, advocacy, and care that changed the lives around her.
She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.
Please note; It was Claudie's wish that her funeral should be a time of happy reflection and remembrance. Therefore, she wanted everyone to wear bright colours instead of black. She wanted everyone to remember her with a smile, to be grateful for her life, and not focus on the sadness of her passing. Oh and if you have anything with ladybirds on, that'd also be good too.
The Funeral Service will be held on 07 January 2026 at 10:30am at St Peter's Church, 4 Church Street, Hartshorne DE11 7ER
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