Claudia Althea Maple made a journey through life that most people only dream about! She did it the hard way. Throughout her life she endured several disabling and life changing events. You see Claudia was born with a congenitally dislocated hip, had seven major hip operations, several devastating automobile accidents and even had a bout with uterine cancer. In spite of all of these trials, life for Claudia was always on the move.
Everyone called her Clod. She called herself Clod Hopper. Clod had long, blond braids, she at times used odd words and she pulled them out like taffy when she spoke. The clothes and bags she wore came from looms in Guatemalan villages and not from malls– all of this bringing to mind the photos of young people in Haight Ashbury, Berkeley and Woodstock. And yes, she followed the Grateful Dead. She loved people. All people. For those lucky enough to have met her, she first appeared to be one exotic creature. She appeared to be – well a hippie. Turns out that what she really was - just Claudia.
Clod had these amazing eyes, very pale blue, big, and seemingly back lit by some inner source. If eyes are the proverbial window to the soul, then hers were remarkable in that the view inside was unobstructed– there was no guard up, no guile, no partly drawn shades or filmy curtains between you and her soul. You always just saw Clod. The beauty of her was that she had the love to look past our filmy curtains and partly drawn blinds and search out the best in everyone.
Always the explorer and in spite of her handicap, she had no predilection for ease or comfort. She preferred to do what people thought she shouldn’t do, or, even more enticing, what they said she couldn’t do. She backpacked on her own all over Europe driven by an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
Starting early and throughout her life Claudia was confronted with barriers that tried to direct her body and her soul. Clod would simply not have it. The word “indomitable” comes to mind to describe her. It means impossible to subdue or defeat. That said, Clod was not born indomitable in the way she lived and the way she loved. Rather, she chose to become indomitable.
She didn’t want a world around her devoted to meeting her needs. She wanted to give what she had to the world. And she did!
In August of 2018, our sister and beloved friend to so many learned that she was to face yet another challenge in her life. Clod was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Despite this terrifying news, in typical fashion, Clod’s spirit only strengthened.
Upon her diagnosis and to the day of her passing on March 31, 2022, Clod radiated positivity and strength in her fight with ALS showing even more resilience and fortitude than anyone could ever imagine. We were all so inspired by Clod and the energy she put forth in fighting this disease.
We all cried at her passing… Rare are people who in very little time manage to deposit something of great and lasting value in our lives. Clod did just that. She lives in our hearts forever.
Caring for others was at the core of who Clod was.
Clod always signed her letters with the valediction
“Peace Love Sunshine, Clod”
“The Clod’s Peace - Love - Sunshine Angel Fund” is dedicated to her legacy.
Through this Angel Fund and the ALS Association our goal is threefold.
Help raise awareness of ALS
Generate financial resources for research that will help extend life and ultimately prevent and cure ALS
Provide real services and support for families living with ALS
In advancing this venture, we would be honored to receive any gift, large or small, which you feel you could contribute to the ALS Cause and to Clods Legacy.