Claudia Eleanor Jardim passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the age of 58. She battled breast cancer for nearly 25 years with steadfast courage and optimism. Claudia was born in Newark, NJ on May 4, 1960 and was a life-long resident of Long Hill Township. Claudia was a beloved daughter of Joy Menza Jardim and the late Edward A. Jardim.
She attended St. Vincent de Paul School and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1978. She received a BA in French from Montclair State College and earned her certification in elementary education.
Claudia worked as a teacher at public and private schools and most recently as a substitute teacher for the Bernards Township Board of Education. She was a volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Long Hill Township and the Township Election Committee. Claudia was creative and intelligent; she had a love of the arts and French culture and enjoyed playing the piano. Her faith sustained her, and she participated in many bible study groups.
She is survived by her loving mother, Joy (Menza) Jardim, three brothers: Edward Jardim and his wife Roselle, Matthew Jardim and his wife Janice Perlin, Thomas Jardim and his wife Karen Fountain, two sisters: Carla Jardim, and her husband John Gattuso, and Eleanor (Elle) Jardim. Claudia was a wonderful and loving aunt to her sixteen nieces and nephews: Michael, Mark, Thomas, Stephen, Sharonrose, Marisa and David Jardim, Giovanna, Reina, and Natalia Gattuso, Ethan and Sarah Jardim, Matthew Stern, and Cecile, Charlotte, and Nathaniel Fountain Jardim. She was cherished by her large extended family and many dear friends.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Blankstein and the Hunterdon Regional Care Center.
We welcome friends and family to a Celebration of Claudia’s life on May 4 from 12:30 pm to 4pm in the St. Vincent de Paul School gymnasium at 250 Bebout Ave., Stirling, NJ. There will be a Mass at the church preceding the celebration for those who want to join us in prayer at 11:00 AM. In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center’s Oncology Special Needs Fund, Flemington, NJ. For more information and online condolences, contact Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ or visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net.