Claudia A.(Gilikson) DeFreitas

Claudia A. (Gilikson) DeFreitas age 77, of Maynard died on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Wingate at Sudbury.

Born in Portland, Maine on December 30, 1938 she was the daughter of the late Joseph L. and Mary E. (Prout) Gilikson. Claudia grew up in Waltham and lived in Maynard for 48 years.

The most important thing in Claudia's life was spending time with her family. She was also a foster parent whose door was always open, a loving caregiver and mentor to all. She was a long-time, faithful and active member of the International Church of Christ and was active in the Senior Center in Maynard. Claudia enjoyed musicals; especially ones by Andrew Lloyd Weber, and loved orchids, playing cribbage and Bingo.

She is survived by her loving children Blaine J. DeFreitas and his wife Kimberly A. of Groton, Yvonne Chalmers and her husband Greg of Natick, and Donald DeFreitas of Worcester and Stepdaughter Cheryl Bruce of Worcester, and her devoted grandchildren Erica and Alexandra Chalmers, and Ashley, Paige, and Quentin DeFreitas.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Claudia on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard. Her funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers Claudia's wish was for people to send plants which can later be taken home in Claudia's memory.