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Claudia McNicol Obituary

McNicol, Claudia Reigh (Maxwell), 65, of Fullerton, passed away on February 5, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Joseph; their son, Ethan and his wife Lelia; two grandsons, Robert Duff and Fender McNicol. Also, are her sisters, Laura Wilson and Victoria De Armond; her aunt, Beth Barton; and cousins, Tyler Stevens, Wendy Rodriguez and Eric Stevens.

Claudia graduated from Fullerton Union High School, class of 1967. She persued an Arts degree at Fullerton College and later, Native American Studies at C.S.U.F.and Long Beach State.

Her lifes goal was to provide love and care for all things great and small. She was active in animal rescue, land preservation and stopping animal abuse.

Horses were a passion for over 40 years. She exercised, groomed and cared them at stables in Yorba Linda.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Tikvah, 1600 N. Acacia Ave., Fullerton at 12:30 on March 2nd.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Feb. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Claudia McNicol

Sponsored by The Orange County Register.

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March 30, 2014

I just found out about dear Claudia's passing! I am deeply sorry for your loss! I met her in sixth grade at Raymond Road Elementary School and graduated in 1967 from Fullerton Union high School with her! She was a beautiful soul inside and out! I miss her and have a deep hope of seeing her again when the scriptures in Psalms 37:10&11 are fulfilled!

Ethan McNicol

March 13, 2014

Imagine Claudia Reigh

it is an auspicious fortune, to know a good Woman.
i cannot imagine being born by her
though Magic gestures Imagination still has room to grow

her world is a Dream to me
the Dream of galloping forward in Earth flavored morning mist
airborne with nostrils flared

a passenger in motion and a path emerges under hoof, foot, under paw
befriending Earth
occasion into another who will share aspects on the trip

there is no substitute for perfection
my guessing will continue beautifully in Blue jeweled iris

befriending sky she is condition-less
Love is what's left, radiating outward in the four directions
waves in space of every broadcast she ever made
every call, hope, every Rescue

loosed and snorting freely through solar wind
a stellar flare that may disrupt satellite service and if the guys have to come out to fix it
they'd better not upset the Cats

there was so much of her packed in her petite frame
that during the days of her transmigration
the evening sky blazed

more Gorgeous than postcards,
hollywood cinema, and los angeles rock songs of California sunsets
tried to have us believe.

they and she were real, right?
for a Spell?
and cannot we See it?

perhaps it requires the lynx-eyed to recognize the constellation
perhaps without time
because we more than suspect we can't see the same sunset even once

however contrary it seems, she was not any less excluded than the rest of us
she worried about coming Home too, but not for herself, and this Is her
in the Service of other beings

“Imagine…It's easy if you try.” (Lennon)

that is how a human achieves in a lifetime
her level of artistry, humanitarianism, animal husbandry, and botanical Knowledge

master of technology is not among those
she did not care to Imagine that

Passion
she taught this important insight consistently and by example:
do it with passion and it will Live
it will vibrate radiantly like a star, the warming healing ray
of Golden life bringing sun

Imagine that and you have found her

Ethan McNicol

March 13, 2014

Michael Beard

March 4, 2014

Claudia and I went back a long way - to a time when our mothers pushed us in strollers. We were classmates and friends for three years at Raymond Elementary and then again for four years at FUHS. I hadn't seen her in over four decades but never forgot about her. My condolences to her family. My pleasant memory of her will continue to be a connection to a long time past.

Split second pose. The connection we shared is so special.

Vicci DeArmond

February 27, 2014

So this is my second attempt at this. The loss I feel is so great. I wish wonderful shared memories and celebration of life, to all who knew and love this special person. My sister Claudia Reigh.

My sister and I would laugh and cry at the same time. Our communication never difficult. We could talk daily or maybe skip a month. All we knew was unconditional Love. Our shared back ground lead us to love many of the same things. She was one of the most natural people I have ever known with animals, a great example to me, our sister Laura and many others. The most wonderful thing in life is to share love. She did that so well.
At my last physical visit with her we shared good times. "The best" she said. Riding with Zephyr and Bo. Maybe we were a tad wild some times. The horses and both of us felt the freedom of pure love and devotion to each other and the horses.
Then a quick hand to the side of my head and my chest, as I kissed her forehead she said "All ways here."
"More than tongue can tell." I responded.

We shared the love, animals and nature with family and friends. She truly had an amazing gift.

I was blessed to take a few starts from some of her plants. One, I think may have been a gift I had gotten her many years ago. What a joy to finish the idea we had talked about, sharing these lovely plants. I hope to share them again. Passing on love.

To all those who knew and loved her, I am sorry for your loss, but celebrating the freedom she must now feel. Claud all my love. Till we meet again in the beautiful "Blue" surrounding us in peace and Love.
All ways remembering the pure joy of times spent with my sister(s), Your baby sister. Vic

Erin Jaffarian

February 25, 2014

Because of Claudia I had a friend with whom to share a love of plants - the Palo Verde she started for me from a seed stands tall in my yard, appreciated by my neighbors for its bright yellow flowers. Because of Claudia I got to ride again, and I so appreciated her readiness to ride bareback, take off at a dead run, in spite of the decorum expected of age ;). I know she's galloping with Sephie now. I am so sad we lost her so soon.

Carolyn Kennis

February 23, 2014

I met Claudia when i moved my dear Arabian Horse McCloud to Beth's home for boarding. I soon met Claudia who I employed to care for my horse on days I was not around. Her care was not just care, it was an all encompassing love for not only my horse, but for me. She possessed the rare kindness, concern and insight that very few have. More importantly she shared it with everyone. I always left my encounters with Claudia feeling completely understood. It was a warm feeling that enveloped me. Some people come into your lives and your are never, ever the same. Claudia was surly one of those people. My condolences to Joe, Ethan and all those who loved her and were touched by her light.

Rick & Vicci DeArmond

February 20, 2014

Till we meet again.

Ethan McNicol

February 19, 2014

Nanci Arnoldi-Coleman

February 17, 2014

Claudia and I were dear friends in Jr High at Ladera Vista and our freshman year at FUHS. We had our mutual love of all animals, especially horses and the beach. She was undoubtedly the most beautiful girl I have ever met. Claudia had an ethereal spirit at a very young age. She was such a lovely and caring girl. I was always sorry that we lost track of each other after I transferred to Troy. Claudia had a strong influence on my life in such a positive way. I admired her artistic talent. She truly was and now forever will be a special angel. I always considered her a very special friend.

Patsy Allen

February 15, 2014

I remember Claudia from The Gathering. She was a lovely and kind woman. I pray God's peace and comfort for her family and friends.

February 15, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about Claudia. I am so lucky to have been her friend. Iwill never forget all of the fun we shared riding togehter and raising our boys. I will always remember her as a bright light who left us all too early. My love and thoughts are with you Joe and Ethan and all of her family.
Love Rosie, Peter , Eric , and Geoffrey

Jan Smith

February 14, 2014

I remember Claudia so well from FUHS. Such a beautiful girl inside and out.

Marsha abbott Carlevaro

February 14, 2014

Joe I am so sorry to hear about Claudia. I had hoped to contact her. She was a sweet and good friend. Though I have been poor in keeping in touch, I have always had her in my heart.

Glenna Newkirk Spindelman

February 14, 2014

I was privileged to be one of Claudia's classmates at Fullerton High School. I will always remember her sweet, genuine smile. She brought a peaceful joy to all she touched. My sincere condolences to Joe and the family.

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2

Service

12:30 p.m.

Temple Beth Tikvah, 1600 N. Acacia Ave., Fullerto

CA

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