Claudia Leutung Anderson, 67, passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 2026, at her home in Rochester, New York. She was born in Rochester on February 17, 1959, to Mary Alice and Alfred Leutung, the fourth of five daughters. Claudia was a graduate of Bishop Kearney and Monroe Community College, where she received an Associate’s degree in business. She met her husband of 47 years, Robert John Anderson, at a police and fire Explorers’ Banquet. They were wed on September 22, 1979, and welcomed son Devin John Anderson and daughter Samantha Whitney Anderson (Bratton) in 1984 and 1987.
Claudia was the heart of the tight-knit family she cultivated and nourished. She is survived by her husband Robert; her son Devin (Katie) and daughter Samantha (James Bratton); her sisters Alice (Joe) Stieve, Annette Leutung, Elizabeth (Larry) Gartz, and Nadine (Greg) Dykes; and her her grandchildren Tracey John and Penelope Rose Anderson.
Claudia loved culling the earth to make beautiful flowers grow. She loved crafting with her daughter and sisters and grandchildren. She loved a good book. Raspberries and red wine and anything with lemon; hot coffee with whipped cream in the morning and the sunset over Chippewa Bay. She loved planning trips and menus, giving the perfect gift, listening to live music, creating clutter and art. She loved having paint-smeared hands and bare feet and laughing until she cried and giving the longest, tightest hugs. She loved many generations of Shar Peis, a full dinner table, girls’ shopping trips, trinket hunting at garage and estate sales, heckling with cheer in the Christmas tree parking lot, a quiet afternoon on the River, every single second spent at Niagara on the Lake. She loved to lend a patient ear, to celebrate your good news, to offer comfort during difficult days. She loved soft blankets and a warm woodstove, staging and taking and sharing photos, the smell of lilacs, living that Buffalo Bills magic out loud. She loved her four sisters and the many branches of family-tree that stretched out from Al and Mary Alice’s sturdy roots. She loved the Anderson clan as her own, her firehouse family like blood. She loved her three grandchildren with passion and for eternity; Devin and Samantha with unmatched ferocity and pride and the kind of adoration that burns. And she loved her Robert John, her best friend, in the spirit of the Claddagh ring he gave her–with heart and loyalty and friendship–all the days she walked by his side.
Big, forever love came so naturally to her, and that love leaves permanent, vibrant, Claudia Louise-color in all the lives that she touched.
Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Dierna Funeral Home at 2309 Culver Road, Irondequoit, New York 14609.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory at: Venmo: @animalserviceleague “in memory of Claudia Anderson”
Or on the website at: http://www.animalserviceleagueny.org and please email info@animalserviceleagueny.org that the donation is in Claudia Anderson’s memory.
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I will miss you forever.
Claud exemplified Live, Laugh and Love. Thanks for all the good times.
How lucky she wasn’t just my sister but also my friend.
A bright spirit that illuminated the terrain. Claudia’s smile, energy and dedication are part of her legacy. She lives on in our fond memories.
Traveling through Italy with Claudia as my room will be a memory I will always remember. Love ya Claud
So very very sad to hear of Claude’s passing. Much too soon… its just not fair. Will always remember her quick smile and big hugs. We will miss her so…
What a beautiful tribute to a great lady.
Although I have not seen Claudia in many years, I often think of her as I wonder around my gardens. I remember being on Chippewa Bay and getting the tour of her many gardens that she was so clearly proud of. She was a fantastic host, kind and thoughtful, fun to be around, and a genuine person with a great laugh. Such a loss.
Thinking of her family and friends 💗
We at Chippewa Bay will miss her. She had a fabulous “green thumb”!
Know that Claudia is in God’s loving arms and is at peace. Our most sincere condolences to her entire family and friends. George and Bonnie Conaway (James and Sam’s cousins)
Our hearts are broken with the loss of Claudia. We have so many fun memories with her and we were wanting and expecting to make many more. She had the most contagious laugh, and that is one reason we all gravitated to her. She was special in every way and will be so missed. Blessings to all of her family.
Claudia give your good friend 🧡 Sherry a hug from me, l love you. You guys are amongst our Best friends . R .I.P. SEE YA !!!
So sorry Bob and to the rest of your family and loved ones. Loved when you all stopped in and visited use in the Florida Keys! She was delightful! May she rest in eternal peace
Claudia was amazing. Bob and their children captured all of her essence in the things they wrote about her. It brought a smile to my face and filled my heart with happiness. She is unforgettable and I’m so proud to be her sister. Will miss her the rest of my days and never forget her.
We were so sorry to hear about Claudia’s passing. Our sincere condolences.
We are so sorry for the loss of your wife and best friend. Something so sudden is beyond comprehension. I don’t know the burial plans, but if you need anything such as a poll bearer please keep me in mind.
This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, she certainly was the heart of the family.
We are so very sorry for all who knew and loved her and especially her family. She leaves a lasting legacy in the loving impact she had on all.
Beautifully written and so fitting to Claudia, at the same time so heartbreaking. I can’t find the words to express my sympathies, nothing seems big enough. Bob, Devin, Sam, I am so sorry.
Fellow BK classmate. Too soon to pass. We never know who will save our life. Rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear this news. Claudia and I spend many summer days exploring in our childhood. She was such a free spirit. God bless her family
So sorry to hear of the passing of one of our neighbors. May u rest in peace.
Your Neighbor’s The Baez Family
At 340 Walzford Rd
So sorry to hear of the passing of one of our neighbor’s. May u rest in peace Claudia.
Your Neighbor from 340 Walzford Rd
My heart is broken. Our neighborhood will never be the same. I will miss our long talks in the driveway. 😢 Bob, my deepest sympathy goes out to you & your family as I went thru the same thing with Dave. Take 1 day at a time.
Never would I have dreamed that I would be leaving a message of tribute on this site for Claudia! From one minute to another in life what a not understandable change can happen to us all. With faith or not somethings are hard to except. With faith I know the good Lord needed someone really special to sort through his collection of jewelry especially pins and someone to pick out the right plants for the best arrangement in his garden. True friends are hard to find in life. Claudia you were the truest of a friend that was taken way too soon from us all. Thank you for all the hugs and being able to tell you there was a step or curb ahead! You will never be replaced in any life time.
To the Anderson family, My very deepest sympathies to all… I loved hanging with her way back in the days of Ridge Culver Firehouse and banquets… My heart aches for all.
There are no words for these difficult times. Nonetheless, I want to extend my sincere condolences.
Bob, my deepest sympathies and condolences to your family and you. She was a fun lady the few times I talked to her at St. Paul’s banquets.