Sunday, October 13, 2019
The Griebell Family- Ken, Diana, Charles, and Lydia have such fond memories of Claren. Ken and I met Ralph and Claren in Connecticut through Ken’s very first job out of college at The Orion. We shared many similar experiences- we had previously lived in Chicago as well and then our family also ultimately ended up in New Jersey not too far away from Ralph and Claren.
Since we did not live very close to family, Ralph and Claren felt like part of our family and were so kind and generous to our kids. We will always remember the fun remote-controlled toy cars her and Ralph would give Charles for Christmas and the exquisite, impeccable American Girl Doll clothes she had made for Lydia’s dolls (practically too good to play with) which even included the mini clothes hangers!
Claren was such a smart, sweet and strong, capable person and we enjoyed hearing her stories about her past career as a buyer in the fashion industry as well as the good times she had on the golf course. There are almost no words to describe how delicious, decadent, and perfect her Christmas cookies were and how she would bake them by the gross! And all those different varieties! The taste and look of the festive cookies are very vivid in my mind. Not many people could do what Claren could accomplish.
Claren, it does not seem real and we will miss you so, so much.
Rest in Peace,
The Griebell Family
Ken, Diana, Charles and Lydia