Claudia J. Buxton

Claudia J. (Tannehill) Buxton

Oct. 28, 1943 - Feb. 19, 2023

EVERET, WA - Claudia Jean (Tannehill) Buxton left us on February 19, 2023. Claudia was born in Helena, MT, on October 28, 1943. We, her family, colleagues and friends will miss her so very much. Claudia found great joy in making and keeping friends. It is important to note that many individuals found their way back to her throughout her life. They wanted to thank her; to share stories with her and continue friendships. She was a person of great integrity, talent, generosity of spirit, loyalty and intellect. She had a sincere faith in God and lived out her life quietly demonstrating her Christianity on a daily basis.

Claudia's beloved husband of 50 years, James Cole Buxton, predeceased her by only ten months. She is survived by her sisters: Kathy Saville, Buckeye, AZ, and Terry Fisher, Butte, MT. Her sisters, Betty Gress and Bonnie Vincent predeceased her. She remained close to Jim's family, including his sisters, Melody Zavis, Luella Paul, her nephew, Anthony Williams and his wife Lisa and nephew Phillip Williams.

Claudia was raised on ranches in Montana until age ten. She then moved back to Helena with her mother and stepfather where she completed her high school education. Claudia began her education in a one room schoolhouse, which she credits with bestowing her love of reading. After graduating from Helena Senior High in 1961, Claudia moved on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from Northwest Nazarene University in 1968. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and humorously blamed not earning Summa Cum Laude to working two and three jobs during her entire college career. Seattle University was the site of the accomplishment of her Master's Degree in Counseling.

Claudia described herself as a teacher at heart. Nothing could be truer. Her 54-year career went full circle; from teacher, to counselor, to consultant, to director and back to teacher. Everywhere Claudia worked she innovated, improved and set educational precedents; and at each venue she was recognized with distinctions and awards. In 1968, Claudia began her teaching career at Lake Stevens High School in Business Education. From there she moved to the Edmonds School District to create their first Career Centers. Shortly thereafter, Claudia moved to the Mukilteo School District as their first Vocational Program Director and then as the Director of the Sno-Isle Skills TECH center, where she worked tirelessly with superintendents, legislators, and her skills center director counterparts to carry the banner of the importance of Vocational Education for students. She then retired; but not for long. Claudia began "teaching teachers" who sought Vocational Teaching Certifications at several Puget Sound colleges. Claudia was 78 when she retired for the final time.

She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her professional colleagues; even when they scattered during their careers to different districts and statewide positions.

At the center of Claudia's activities and interests were adventures with her "personal cheerleader," Jim. They fished and vacationed in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Norway and London. They particularly enjoyed cruises. Claudia demonstrated her creative side by designing jewelry. Claudia was quick to share her adventures and interests with friends and family who often found themselves included.

To know Claudia Jean Buxton was to feel seen and to be accepted without judgement. She will long be missed.

The services for Claudia will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 8517 7th Avenue SE, Everett, WA, 98208.