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October 16, 2006
In Memoriam: Claudia J. Flynn
Claudia was everything one could possibly hope for in a public servant: reflective, brilliant, fair-minded, intense, and dedicated to the public interest. She held a variety of important government positions: Director of the Justice Department's Professional Responsibility Advisory Office, Senior Counsel to the Director of the Executive Office of United States Attorneys, Chief of Staff to the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division, and Chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.
Claudia was also -- and this is actually how I'll remember her best -- a great singer. She was a 1976 graduate of Brown University, where she sang with the Chattertocks, a female a capella group. Between 1991 and 1993 she sang lead for a US Attorney's Office garage band that I was also in. She did a mean Bonnie Raitt. And singing backup to her lead on "Black Velvet" is a musical experience that I'll always cherish.
Bye, Claudia. You'll be missed.
Posted by Eric at October 16, 2006 10:17 AM
Comments
I am a fellow 1972 West Haven High School graduate of Claudia's, and I am devastated by her loss. Yes, she was a great singer, but also an actor, cheerleader, and ahead of her time in many ways. Her salutatory address at our graduation kicked butt in telling people the truth about what high school was really about (I don't remember the details but I have it at home--it was printed in the weekly paper, which was unusual, especially since they didn't print the valedictory address!) She was a bright light in many ways and I miss her terribly.
Posted by: Ed Stannard at October 25, 2006 11:01 AM
was very saddened to hear about Claudia's death. From her sweet voice to her flaming red hair those of us who knew her back in high school knew she would make her mark. Working here in Washington can taint you or make you humble. It is people like Claudia and the work she did that keeps this country moving forward.
Those of us,from our graduating class at West Haven High in 1972,to the thousands of people she has touched since are greatful for her life well lived. And to her children--we remember.
Rest in peace Claudia.
Hank Silverberg
WTOP Radio
Posted by: Hank Silverberg at October 25, 2006 5:38 PM