Claudia Mirabella Elliott, 67, of New Harmony, Indiana, passed away peacefully at sunrise on Sunday April 4, 2010 in her home. She was born in Chicago on April 26, 1942 and raised in New Harmony, Indiana where she graduated from New Harmony High school in 1960. After graduating from Indiana University, she spent the years from 1964 to 1966 in the Peace Corps which started a lifelong love of Latin music and all things Brazilian. She learned to speak both Spanish and Portuguese and taught English in Columbia for two years. Claudia worked for a year in Evansville, Indiana before entering the University of Chicago where she earned a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work in 1972. She had a thriving private practice for thirty years as a psychotherapist. She loved her patients who in turn supported her with great kindness as her health declined. While in practice she successfully worked on legislation permitting third party payments for Clinical Social Workers. She also published several professional papers on the therapeutic relationship. Claudia loved the Arts and incorporated them in her clinical work. She painted large and her home was filled with her paintings and those of her family. With her love of music she hosted Sunday night music sessions which lasted for 15 years. She played keyboard in public with several bands including at Buddy Guy's nightclub and with the New Harmony Artist's Guild. She also had numerous house concerts in her home. She was actively involved in a long lasting book club and numerous study groups reflecting her lifelong love of books which she read voraciously. She also wrote and self-published poetry. She was also the first female member of the Working Men's Institute in New Harmony, for which her mother did extensive archival work. Claudia is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, John R. Jeffery; son John D. Jeffery and his wife Dorota Shubzda; and grandchildren, Malina and Kasper of Lansing, Michigan; and son Steven A. Jeffery of Pittsburgh, PA. She is also survived by sisters in law Barbara (John) Goode and Elizabeth (Barth) Vander Els of Shaftsbury, Vermont; and brother in law Robert (Ann) Jeffery of San Jose, Costa Rica. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Josephine Elliott. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Tuesday, April 13, at 4 p.m. at the Roofless Church in New Harmony (or the Granary in case of rain) with visitation and reception at the Granary. There will also be services in Chicago on Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. at St Matthias Church, 2300 W. Ainslie St (near Lawrence and Western Avenues) with visitation following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation or the Working Men's Institute of New Harmony.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on Apr. 11, 2010.

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