Claudia Joan Nilssen of Lawrence, Kansas formerly of Neodesha, entered her eternal resting place on August 30, 2017 after a long courageous battle with breast cancer.
Claudia was born on May 17, 1946 in Strong City, Kansas, the daughter of Carl Junior and Charlotte (Thurston) Dawson of Cedar Point, Kansas.
She graduated from Chase County Community High School in 1964 and continued her education at Emporia State University. Claudia was an avid sports enthusiast, she was selfless and caring, and loved to be an active part of her children’s lives. She also enjoyed and took great pride in watching all of her grandchildren’s achievements.
Her memory will live on through her children, Brian Masoner (son) and Tamm of Castle Rock, Colorado; Alissa Masoner (daughter) of Lawrence, Kansas; Cassandra Baird (daughter) and Terry Lynn of Skiatook, Oklahoma; Matthew Nilssen (son) of Tampa Bay, Florida; Meggin Nilssen (daughter) and Brandon of Overland Park, Kansas; her grandchildren, Devin Baird of Lawrence, Kansas; Koy Baird of Omaha, Nebraska; Tyler Underwood of Lakewood, Colorado; Blayn Masoner of Castle Rock, Colorado; Corbyn Meyers of Overland Park, Kansas; Kathryn Nilssen of Tampa Bay, Florida, and her brothers, Kenneth Dawson and Vicki of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; Dennis Dawson and Sharon of Cedar Point, Kansas; and Steven Dawson and Susan of Emporia, Kansas.
Claudia was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward Breese and Osha Jack Thurston and Carl Owen and Florence Martin Dawson, and her beloved father, Carl Junior.
A cremation is planned and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence in honor of “Nana” https://kansasvna.org/ .
