Honoring
Claudia Sue Crugnale

Claudia Sue Crugnale (née Carter), 76, of Marina, California, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). She was born on August 24, 1949, in Rockford, Illinois, and lived a life marked by love, integrity, and determination.

Claudia graduated from the University of Illinois and later earned her master’s degree in Speech Pathology from California State University, San Diego. She dedicated more than 20 years to the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she cared deeply for her students and took great pride in helping them overcome challenges and achieve success. Claudia was known for being direct, hardworking, and deeply committed — qualities that earned her the respect of both her students and her colleagues.

Claudia married the love of her life, Mark Thomas Crugnale, on October 6, 1984. Throughout 41 years of marriage, she brought profound love, friendship, and joy into Mark’s life. Mark’s father, Matt Crugnale, and his wife, Elizabeth, said many times that Claudia was the best thing that ever happened to Mark — a sentiment shared by all who knew the bond they treasured.

One of the most profound blessings in Claudia’s life was being reunited with her daughter, Kristine (Kris) Ziemba, whom she had lovingly given up for adoption earlier in life. Their reunion brought immense joy to both their lives and renewed a bond that remained unbreakable.

Claudia is survived by her husband, Mark Crugnale; her daughter, Kristine Ziemba, and son-in-law, Robert Ziemba; and her cherished grandson, Danny Wallace, and his wife, Alyssa Wallace. She also leaves behind her sisters — Gail Carter and Deborah Carter — who will always remember her strength, loyalty, and quick wit.

Claudia was deeply devoted to her nieces, Erika Johnson-Froneberg and Heather Johnson-Sari, playing an active and loving role in their lives. She took great joy and pride in being part of their families and sharing in their milestones. She also treasured her relationships with her grandnieces — Nasrin, Eva, and Maren — and her grandnephew Behman, all of whom brought her endless joy and fulfillment.

Claudia will be remembered for her devotion to family, her passion for helping others, and the honesty and drive she brought to everything she did. She leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and purpose that continues to inspire all who knew her.

Her family takes comfort knowing she is now at peace, free from illness, and surrounded by eternal light and the love of those who went before her.

In honor of Claudia’s courageous fight with ALS, donations in Claudia’s name may be made to the Pete Frates Family Foundation or the ALS Association, organizations dedicated to supporting ALS patients and advancing research toward a cure.

A celebration of Claudia’s life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025.