Claudine Welch

1924 - 2015

Claudine J. Welch was born December 4, 1924, in Gary IN, to Hiram and Willie Rice, and made her transition to heaven on October 18, 2015. Her husband, Frederick Boyce Welch preceded her in death. Claudine graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1943. She attended Wilberforce University for two years, pledging Delta Sigma Theta, and graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She was a teacher for the Gary Public School system, teaching at a number of schools including Carver and Ivanhoe, becoming both favorite teacher and second mother to many. She was a member of 1st AME Church; Calvary, Bethlehem, and currently, Bethel Lutheran Church. She loved the Lord, and was an active member in the churches she served: VBS, church council, Women of the ELCA, Christian Education. Full of wisdom, class, grace, courage, and perseverance, she left an indelible impression on everyone with her infectious smile. Claudine leaves to cherish her memory, son: Boyce Welch; granddaughters: Stacy A. Glover (Byron) Carter and Alexis C. Glover; nieces: Angela Alicea, Karen Rice, Rhonda Ray Dugan, and Carla Ray Bragg; Nephews: Leslie Ray, and Darryl Ray. Funeral services: Saturday, October 24, 11:30 A.M., at Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 N. Montgomery, with visitation from 10:30 until time of service. Wake: Friday, Oct. 23; 4-8 P.M., at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St. Merrillville, IN.