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Claudia Ann Pinder
PINDER, CLAUDIA ANN Flight attendant for 53 years, took her final flight on September 22, 2019, after extended illness. Claudia was born on March 29, 1946 and lived her entire life in South Florida. She graduated from Hialeah High School's class of 1964 and National Airlines Stewardess Training in October 1965. After 14 years, National was acquired by Pan Am and Claudia became a famed Pan Am Flight Attendant. During that time, she traveled the world including serving as purser during Operation Desert Storm on Military Airlift Command (MAC) charter flights to and from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. When Pan Am was acquired by Delta Airlines in 1991, Claudia joined the Delta team. With Delta, Claudia continued her career as a flight attendant and also worked in management and training positions. Claudia's first love was always flying. Leading teams in the air, mentoring other flight attendants, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. One of the highlights of her career was earning the coveted 50-year pin. Claudia was a lover of books, dance, all things Coca-Cola, football, animals, travel, and mostly, people. Her stories, wisdom, smiles, and laughter will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Claudia is survived by her brother Tommy (Barbara) and sister Michelle and many extended family members and lifelong friends. A funeral mass will be held on October 19 at 11 am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 1301 SW 136 Avenue, Davie, FL. In honor of Claudia's love for animals, and in lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in her name to Good Karma Pet Rescue of South Florida. You may write a tribute in honor of Claudia on her memoriam page at floridafuneralhome.com
Published in the Miami Herald on Oct. 7, 2019
"FLM flight attendant Claudia Pinder passed away last weekend after a long battle with cancer. Claudia was a 53-year Delta employee who started her career with National, then went on to Pan Am. I had the honor of working alongside Claudia for many years and also had the honor of presenting her with her 50-year pin a few years back. In addition to being a flight attendant, Claudia served as an FSM in FLM for several years. She was a history buff who loved to read and in recent years she enjoyed going on cruises. Claudia was admired and respected by her peers.”
Provided by Toni Canonico Nasco who obtained this notice from a longtime friend who is a Delta Flight Attendant.
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Vince "Vinny" Rusinak
Claudia lived two blocks from me growing up, but I didn't know her until we met at Filer Junior High School. Claudia was picked to be in the accelerated math program in junior high...and excelled! I remember being in Claudia's home room in 9th grade...9A3...what a special group of kids that were put together back then. I recall, as a kid, going over to the Carter's house as my mother was a friend of Doug's mother before Doug and Claudia married...small world. When my father passed away I was out of town and posted an obituary in the Miami Herald. I didn't contact Claudia, but she saw the notice and attended the memorial services...which was very special me...and I'm sure it would have been to my father. Claudia, you were a great friend to Nancy and me. Rest in Peace!
Paul Korry (HHS 1963)
Claudia was my nextdoor neighbor in Hialeah from 1953 thru 1967 or even later. (I graudated U of MIA in '67 & lost touch). Funny how we lose track of our acquaintences & friends over time but it happens. Claudia was a sweet girl & was a "pinch-hit" girl friend during our younger days. If it wasn't for the HHS Class of '64's website, I wouldn't have know what became of her. Needless to say, while we were distant, she'll be missed. PK
Sandra DeHay (Meetre)
I remember Claudia from North Hialeah Elementary School, thru Filer Jr. High and Hialeah. The one thing I can remember from our first meeting was what a fantastic dancer she was. She was always super friendly and always had a smile on her face.
Ray Korry (HHS 1961)
Claudia was my next door neighbor for most of my young life. She was younger than me so she was like a little sister. After I returned home to Hialeah, after serving in the Marine Corps, she introduce me to my wife Jeanne of 52 years. Jeanne and Claudia both flew together for National Airlines. They were the best of friends as Claudia was my wife's maid of honor at our wedding in 1967. Claudia was a good friend and great kid to grow up around. My wife and I are sadden by her death. We both wish we could have seen her once more after we moved to Wisconsin.
Rev. Ray Korry
Mike Peters
I was saddened to learn of Claudia's passing. Like Vinny and several dozen others, many of whom are on this site, I first met her at Filer in our 8th grade class. I recall that the class basically stayed together thru out the day and in English Claudia sat with 4 or 5 of us at a table. Needless to say, there was more discussion of the things that 13 year olds talk about than literature. I remember her as an attractive, energetic, vivacious girl. And I too remember her dancing. I'd venture to say she's dancing in Heaven now, to the delight of all of our departed classmates. Rest in Peace.
Jack Taubin
So sorry to hear about Claudia's passing. She was an elementary school classmate, friend, 6th grade Mr. Dooly, and dance partner as her mother was my dance teacher. Her and I got to show the classes,NHElem, how American traditional dances were done. I had such a crush on her and was beside my self in this exercise. I ran into her brother Tommy at HHS anniversary and got in touch with her around that time. We had some great memories to share and it was so good seeing her again. Dynamite personality and great sense of humor. Rest well long time and dear friend. Jack Taubin.
Sharon Facente (Hills)
I have so many memories of our dear Claudia. We were in TKs together and traveled to several states to perform. My Mom was the chaperone and we enjoyed driving her crazy, lol! She was especially fond of Claudia, who liked to make up tales about me and report to her...all in fun, of course. Claudia was smart, funny, talented and kind. To be her friend was an honor. The world will never be as bright without her light...I hope she will shine that light down on us from up there! RIP, beautiful Claudia.
Patricia Spivey (Zgodzinski)
I am so very sorry to read about Cladia’s passing. I knew Claudia from Elementary, Filer and Hialeah HS, but knew her best from Carl Fogle’s dance studio. Her Mom was one of my teachers and Claudia and I became friends there. She was always a sweet and happy friend. Rest In Peace sweet girl. Thoughts and prayers for everyone that knew and loved you. 🙏🏻❤️
Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)
I didn’t get to know Claudia until high school, but she and I shared some classes and became friends. She was always sweet and a lot of fun and I enjoyed being around her. After graduation we went our separate ways, but I always enjoyed seeing her at the reunions. Years ago when my husband and I were involved in the Hialeah Optimist Club, I was going through some articles on the history of the club, and came across some pictures of Claudia when she was about 13 and the Hialeah Junior Optimist Queen. She was so cute! Not long after that I saw her st a reunion and mentioned it to her. She laughed it off as if it was nothing. That may have been the last time I saw her, and I like to remember her that way; laughing and smiling as she so frequently did. Claudia, I am so sorry that you are no longer part of this world. You were a bright force of nature and you will be missed.