Claudia "Muggs" Marie Traudt

Claudia "Muggs" Marie Traudt was born to William "Diz" and Claudia Rose Traudt on January 14, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio. She was a bright light, a brilliant mind, and the most cherished friend to so many. Muggs passed away peacefully in her beloved Hyde Park, surrounded by family, on February 11, 2023, after a brief illness. She was 72. A true Renaissance woman, Muggs squeezed a heck of a lot of learning, hobbies, and fun into her 72 years of life. Muggs' younger years were spent in Toledo, riding horses (especially her beloved Dutchess) and playing sports. She spent countless hours with her younger brothers, Jeff and Steve, throwing footballs and playing with neighborhood friends (and animals). Muggs has collected friends throughout her schooling and has had such adventures. In her time at St. Ursula Academy, if there was a club or a team, she was likely on it. Muggs was class president, student council president, valedictorian, and was awarded The Bishop's Cross at graduation. Longtime best friend, Barb Stutz, shared that Muggs floated from lunch table to lunch table in high school, transcending social groups.

Kay Hall, Muggs' college friend, shared that Muggs burst onto the scene at Saint Mary's College. She was brilliant and talented and beloved by students, faculty, and staff. Muggs radiated exuberance and inclusivity, tolerance and caring. Many college friends, the Frems, have maintained their relationships with Muggs for 50 years since graduation and will miss her dearly.

Muggs holds a BFA in painting from Saint Mary's College at Notre Dame and an MA from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago, where she focused on literature and did dissertation work on Shakespeare, Joyce, and Yeats. Her art career included a variety of art media (painting, photography, sculpture) displayed in art shows and proudly displayed in many homes. She joined the Graham School Basic Program as an instructor in 1982 and served as Staff Chair from 1991 to 1995. Muggs also taught in the arts and humanities for Columbia College Chicago. Muggs was the 2006 recipient of the Graham School's Excellence in Teaching Award for the Basic Program. Cynthia Rutz, who joined the Basic Program faculty ranks in 1991, called her longtime colleague "an exuberant personality" who climbed intellectual mountains with students and gladly played the role of their encouraging, joke-telling, hug-dispensing sherpa. Muggs had a special relationship with her students, developing a following of students who would take every class she offered.

Muggs loved being on the water on her sailboat, EZ Lady, with Jane. She frequented the Burnham Park Yacht Club, and her sailing buddies meant the world to her. Family and friends could go on and on about the impact Muggs has made to so many communities. Once you've met Muggs, you will never forget her.

Muggs was preceded in death by her father, Diz; her mother, Claudia; her partner, Jane Zimmer; and her great-nephews, Henry and Samuel. Muggs is survived by her brothers, Jeff (Nancy) Traudt and Steve (Chad Griffin) Traudt; her nieces, Ali (Alex) Strohm, Lizzie (Kurt) Conrath and Molly (Dave) Solberg; her great nieces, June, Rose, Naomi, Kate, Clare; and great nephews, Jack, Will, Andrew. She is also survived by her best friend, Barb (Pete) Stutz; her long-time friend, Cung Nguyen; her SUA class of '69 buddies and her Frems from St. Mary's.

A private celebration of life will be held this spring. We would like to thank The University of Chicago Medical Center team for their caring support of Muggs and compassion to our family. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate in memory of Muggs, please consider contributing to two institutions near and dear to Muggs - St. Ursula Academy Foundation, The Claudia Traudt Memorial Fund, 4025 Indian Road, Toledo, OH 43606 or to The University of Chicago Graham School, Gift Administration and Business Data, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60615 (indicating the gift is intended to honor Claudia Traudt). Gifts can also be made online at graham.uchicago.edu/give.