Claudia Gordon Obituary

BARRINGTON, RI – Claudia J. (Marshall) Gordon, 66, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Born August 21, 1958, in New Rochelle, NY, she was a daughter of the late Gordon and Karen J. (Spitzer) Marshall.



Claudia graduated from Rye Neck High School, Class of 1976. She completed her undergraduate studies at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, graduating in 1980 earning a bachelor's degree in human services. She completed her graduate work earning a master's degree in human service management from Worchester State College, Worcester, MA in 1986.



Claudia began her career at the Nazareth Treatment Center in Boston, MA working in the residential program for 4-5 years with children who were 2-years old and older. She then worked for five years with the Key Program in Fall River, MA as a Program Supervisor supporting families at risk of abuse and neglect and gained her Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential. Following Key, she worked for nine years as a supervisor for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health overseeing the health services provided to children with severe special needs. She spent her last years in clinical social work working full-time with a severely disabled child for 5 years until the child passed away.



Claudia then worked for the Cumberland (RI) School Department in the middle schools as an adjustment counselor and in its smoking cessation program. Her work in smoking cessation continued for the American Lung Association where she was licensed to lead and facilitate the Association's smoking cessation program. Claudia later served in three Seekonk (MA) Elementary Schools from where children were referred to her for assessment and diagnosis, often with the child participating in a variety of child-centered groups she would lead and facilitate. Her expertise brought her the honor of facilitating and leading the development of a mental health education manual.



In more recent years, Claudia was a skin care consultant and branch manager for JAFRA Cosmetics International. Inspired always by Jan Day, one of the founders of JAFRA Cosmetics, Claudia's life truly exemplified these words of Jan's, "You have the right to grow, to change, to strive, to reach for any goal without limit."



Though life presented her with challenges, Claudia met them with grace, resilience, and strength. She lived not by limitation, but by compassion, and defined herself not by what she couldn't do but by what she gave.



Claudia's physical disability never diminished her spirit. In fact, it seemed to deepen her empathy, sharpen her sense of purpose, and inspire a life filled with service. A passionate advocate and volunteer, Claudia dedicated herself to both local and national organizations, including Barrington's BAY Team, Heartworks of RI, and Huntington's Disease Society of America. Whether helping her neighbors or supporting larger initiatives, she believed in the power of showing up, standing beside others in their battles, and making a difference.



Her love was not limited to people. Claudia had a tender affection for animals. Whether it was a stray she took in, a bird she fed on her windowsill, or a quiet moment with her dogs, animals felt her kind spirit.



Claudia will be remembered not just for what she did but for who she was. She will be remembered as compassionate, generous, empathetic, and resilient.



She is survived by her two children Jessica S. Takores, MD (husband Dylan) of Cheshire, CT, and David J. Gordon (wife Grace) of North Andover, MA; one sister Jennifer L. Marshall of Ithaca, NY, one brother Andrew D. Marshall of Pomona Park, FL and four grandchildren Emilia, Bennett, Miles, and Lexi. She was the sister of the late Peter S. Marshall.



Relatives and friends were invited to celebrate her life at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, on Tuesday, June 17 from 11:30 -12:00, immediately followed by a funeral service which began at 12:00. Burial was in Forest Chapel Cemetery, Barrington.



In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Claudia's name may be made to Huntington's Disease Society of America (https://hdsa.org/). Condolences may also be offered to her family and favorite memories of Claudia shared online at www.carpenterjenks.com.