Claudette Marie (Craighead) Estabrook

Claudette Marie Craighead Estabrook, age 70, died at her home in Fort Wayne, IN on May 23, 2020 from complications of ALS.   A life-long resident of Fort Wayne, IN, she was the second child of eight born to Robert George (1917-1996) and Mary Catherine (Hollie Zartman) Craighead.  She graduated Central Catholic High School in 1967, attended Ravenscroft Beauty College 1968, and met her husband, Dale Estabrook, while they both were working for the Time’s Corners Roger’s Market 1964-1967.  They were married in 1968 and have three children.  After raising her family, Claudette took her first college class at age 43 and earned a Bachelor Degree from Ball State University in 1997 and Masters of Business Education in 2001. She worked as an Income Tax Practitioner 1979-1987, a Teacher’s Aide at Youth Services Center 1988-1997, taught business classes at Carroll High School 1997, Coordinated ICE Internships at Churubusco High School 1998-2006, and Coordinated Out-of-School Career Internships at Leo High School 2006-2014.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dale Estabrook, her mother, Mary Catherine Craighead, Fort Wayne, her children: Kimberley Beard (Shannon), Auburn; Bradley Estabrook (Gail), Fort Wayne; Karla Hertz (Ron) Scottsdale, AZ.  Grandchildren:  Brandon Estabrook, Cincinnati, OH; Brock Estabrook, Fort Wayne; Marshall and Harrison Beard, Auburn; Tanner and Keegan Hertz, Scottsdale, AZ.  Brothers and Sisters:  Larry Craighead (Linda); Charlene Andersen (Tim); Mary Jo Smedberg (Reed); and Richard Craighead, Fort Wayne; Catherine Craighead, Centerbrook, CT; Bill Craighead, Roanoke; Beth Folzenlogel (Don), Garrett.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Ceruti’s Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN.  Donations in lieu of flowers to Wounded Warrior Project.

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