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CLAUDIA BASHA Obituary

CLAUDIA ANN BASHA 2/14/1948 - 6/9/2013 Claudia Ann Basha, Educator, Director, World Traveler, Horsewoman, Wife, and Dear Friend passed away June 9, 2013 at home after battling cancer. Claudia was probably best known as a professor for 24 years at Victor Valley College where she taught various English and French classes. In addition, while at VVC, she directed many plays including, "The Dining Room", "Dangerous Liaisons", "Deathtrap", "Love Letters", "The Vagina Monologues", "Fuddy Meers", "Mousetrap", "Harvey", "Plaza Suite" and "Romeo and Juliet". She was exceedingly devoted to her students, and they will be her legacy. Claudia was born on Valentine's Day 1948 in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights. She attended the University of Illinois, graduating with Honors in 1970 with a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Claudia married Lee Basha, an officer in the United States Air Force, in 1969. For the next 20 years, they lived wherever military assignments took them; California, Florida, Thailand, Georgia, Arizona, Spain and Oklahoma. They ultimately settled in Apple Valley and have lived here for over 30 years. Education was an integral part of Claudia's life. She earned a Masters Degree at Oklahoma State University in 1985, specializing in French Linguistics, Curriculum and Instruction. She also studied in Avignon, France and did additional graduate work at Cal State San Bernardino. Claudia had a lifelong interest in literature and drama, which led to her work in the theater department at VVC. During her years at VVC, she only missed one semester and then, only because she had a heart transplant. Another of Claudia's passions was animals, both large and small. In 1996, Claudia and Lee established Summerwind Canyon Ranch in south Apple Valley as a breeding and training facility for American Paint Horses and Quarter Horses. Over the years, she saw many foals born on the ranch. Claudia fulfilled one of her wishes when she saw our last baby on the day she was born, May 15. The filly is named Creme Brulee, and it is no coincidence that she shares Claudia's initials. What you may not know about Claudia: Played cello as a child, learned to skydive for free in college (she was dating the instructor), learned to play guitar in Spain, avid Bridge player, Jeopardy devotee, spoke Spanish and German, in addition to French. For her, there was only one sports season-Football Season - (Go Packers!). Many colleagues, friends and students accompanied Claudia on tours she organized to New York, London, Paris and other parts of France and Italy. Claudia not only loved to travel but loved sharing the experience. Claudia is survived by her husband of 43 years Lee, her mother Marion Johnson, sisters Pamela Vande Vegte and Emmy Lou Johnson. It would be an oversight not to mention those many creatures she loved and cherished, including her beloved horse Rusty. They loved her too, and will miss her so very much. At some future time, we will find a way to celebrate Claudia's life. She was important to and loved by so many people. We will all miss her and we will never forget her. Donations may be made in Claudia's name to Desert Communities United Way or to the Victor Valley College Foundation.

Published by Daily Press from Jun. 21 to Jun. 23, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Mrs Basha was a great teacher who inspired others. I was so sad to hear of her passing. I had English classes with her years ago. She was truly a light in my life. My deepest condolences to her husband Lee, whom she loved dearly.

Mary Rispoli

School

February 21, 2022

Claudia was a teacher, mentor, friend, cheerleader, and continuing source of inspiration for me. She was an energetic, joyful, considerate human being whose influence will be felt for a long time. Those whom she touched will touch others and her legacy will live on. I am lucky to have known her and my biggest regret will be not being able to see and speak and learn from her in person one more time.

Susan Nylander

July 13, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family and close friends of Claudia. I met her years ago in a fleeting moment, but I have heard so much about her that I too will miss her. She has touched many lives with her love and courage.

Jenny Wilder

July 12, 2013

I am so glad that Claudia and I were able to talk so much these past few weeks and months. She will always be in my mind and was a longtime friend.

christina pfeifer

July 8, 2013

I never met her but I heard so many great things her...from fellow professors, students, and people around town who knew her. I was privileged to have gone to her and Lee's BEAUTIFUL ranch with amazing horses...your teaching and your animals will be your legacy.
To the family, I am sorry for your loss. Stay strong.
RIP!!!

j r

June 24, 2013

One of my favorite professors at VVC. It's wonderful to know that she continued to influence students for so many years as she had once influenced me. My heartfelt sympathy to the family.

Karen Everrett

June 24, 2013

No matter her own physical state Claudia always had a smile, even when we knew she was in physical pain. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Enjoy forever Claudia

Allen Gildard

June 24, 2013

Her determination to live well in spite of all of the adversity that she confronted inspired and endeared her to so many.
I count her passing as a huge personal loss. Too soon, too soon!

Margie Milroy

June 21, 2013

Your life was full of loving deeds, Forever thoughtful of our special needs,
Today and tomorrow, my whole life through, I will always love and cherish you. Claudia you are dearly missed

Mindy Jefferies

June 21, 2013

Thank you Claudia, for our mornings, our talks, the laughter, the tears, for letting me make you feel pretty, even though you are beautiful. Thank you for giving me visions of places I have never been, things in nature I have never seen. For as oddly as it may sound to other people, letting me hold your hands. Another beautiful butterfly is free!

Donna Castleberry

June 21, 2013

May you rest in peace . You were a very lovely woman it was a pleasure to have taken care of you. Are hearts and prayers are with the Basha family at this time. Accu Choice Acupuncture

Teresa Wheatley

June 21, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 21, 2013

I am so sorry to here of Claudia's passing. She lived a very filled life. I had the privilege and honor of meeting and getting to know Claudia and Lee when Elaine and I cleaned their home for many years. We had a mutual love for cats and animals in general. You will be missed by more people than you will ever know.

Margaret Carlson

June 21, 2013

Claudia was courageous, loyal, adventuresome, unique, dedicated, indefatigable, and curious.She was a force of nature - memories of her shall not fade. My deepest sympathy to her husband Lee, her family, friends, students, and beloved animals.

Rita McDevitt

June 20, 2013

Dear Claudia~ You will be very missed! I remember the last time I saw you- it was at one of your Christmas parties. You were the light of the party and your energy was so beautiful!
I will hold all of your family and friends in my prayers.
Lori

Lori Trujillo-Cole

June 20, 2013

Mrs. Basha was my English teacher years ago when I attended VVC. She always had a smile on her face and she loved her students. It was because of her that I became a teacher. She will be greatly missed.

Angela

June 20, 2013

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