Claudia "Muggs" Marie Traudt

I was a fine art student at St Mary´s and thought the world of Muggs. Always exuding joy. I will never forget her. I feel privileged to have known her. Catherine "Schell" Caddigan

Wow, what a beautiful testament to a special woman.
Muggs was a beloved babysitter to my brothers and I growing up while living on Garrison Road. She was always our favorite sitter because she lit up the room with all that encompassed Muggs.
Nothing was out of our wish list to do with her; whether it was playing board games, doing craft projects or playing outside till the street lights came on. She was an active engaged babysitter as she was right there having fun with us.
I remember her going off to St Mary's to begin college. We hated that she "grew up".
Despite that our paths really never crossed again.. we would still get proud "Muggs updates" from her mom.
The world has lost an earthly angel, but we are all assured and comforted to know that the heavens are a shakin' with having Muggs running the party there now!
Sending my condolences to all that knew and loved her...especially her partner Jane, Jeff, Steve and their respective families.
Fondly,
Maureen Monaghan Thomas
Charleston, South Carolina

This is what my husband wrote when I let him know:
Thanks for letting me know, Kathy. She was a good friend of DHC, and a justifiably unstinting fan of KJC. I am touched when I think of the path she pursued. She lived long enough to see society shift in ways that must have been deeply gratifying. The human aspects of the classics inspired her, and she shared the life-affirming news with everyone she met. Again, to grow up where and when she did meant she had to work out a lot on her own and for a long time. At some point, she clearly decided she wanted to be happy and was going to set about discovering what that meant for her. A character, yes, but a character in the happiest sense of the word. I recognized her in the comments shared by her former students. And, she was never less than polite and kind in the way she spoke to me. May our brave and accomplished Claudia rest in peace.

I became friends with Claudia when she first heard our Yeats show 30 years ago. She loved it and supported us. We went to the opera together. She had me sing and read in her regular Bloomsday program. I always knew from stage when Claudia was in the audience beaming interest, engagement, enjoyment forward. She was so present to the work, always. If there were to be a celebration of her life, it would be my great honor to sing for her.

Muggs will be greatly missed by our entire Gill family. Every encounter with Muggs was a compassionate, exuberant, delight. As her youngest cousin, I will always fondly remember her naming me "Bowling Ball Head" As I make preparations for my 40 year Saint Mary´s College reunion, I am deeply saddened that she is missing her 50th. Lisa, Megan and I so enjoyed seeing Muggs as we shared reunions. Muggs will be with me in heart and spirit as are our SMC ancestors- my mom (Josephine), grandma Rosie and great grandma Josephine. Love and prayers to all our Traudt family.

Muggs was such a bright light. I loved the time I spent getting to know her and how she instantly loved the people who loved her family. I will hold Jeff, Nancy, Steve and Chad and all the kids in my prayers. I love you all.