Claire Marie Trodella

Trodella, Claire Marie DeConto, 91 Departed this earthly sphere on September 6, 2013 after a brief illness, in the arms of her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Dr. George P. Trodella who preceded her in death, the beloved mother of George, Jr (Marijane), Richard (Mindy), Robert and Carole, her special angel. Beloved grandmother of George III, Tiffany, Melanie, Emma and Remy Trodella. She rose from humble beginnings as one of seven children in an Italian imigrant family, was admitted to Boston University and graduated with a journalism degree and was editor of her class yearbook. She married George Trodella in 1944 after his graduation from medical school then followed him to Pensacola Naval Air Station in his service to the U.S. Navy as a medical officer. She quickly landed a job at the Pensacola News Journal, at a time when "Yankees" were regarded with suspicion in this part of the country. But she was so agreeable, qualified and unpretentious that she won over her skeptical Southern hosts, and soon wrote front page stories under her own byline. Postwar, she returned to her native Massachussetts and continued to write, help others effectively communicate and inspire. She was the devoted president of Greater Boston Association for Retarded Children while living in the Boston area, and was a volunteer reader of books for Insight for the Blind when she relocated to Fort Lauderdale. All those that knew her were touched by her grace, elegance without conceit and tolerance. We thank her for lessons well-taught. A memorial service will be held at the Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1800 NE 6th Court, Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, September 11th at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her name to The Hope Center c/o United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida. Att: Development, 2700 W. 81 Street, Hialeah, FL 33016 or the charity of your choice.