Claudia Coe Lunceford Sorensen, 75, died Sunday, December 1, 2024 at her home in Provo, Utah.

Claudia was born October 1, 1949 to parents Wilford Horace Lunceford and Ida Mable Chipman Lunceford. Claudia spent her childhood in the Edgemont area of northeast Provo–a place she would always consider her home. She graduated from Provo High School in 1967 then studied journalism at Brigham Young University. She married Rodger Sorensen, also of Provo, on February 8, 1969 in the Manti, Utah temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Claudia gave birth to her first child, daughter Sunni, in April of 1973. Shortly after, the three of them moved to Price, Utah where Rodger took a teaching position at College of Eastern Utah (now Utah State University Eastern). While living in Price, she gave birth to her second child, son Josh, in August of 1976. In the summer of 1978, after Rodger joined the theater department at Ricks College (now Brigham Young University–Idaho), she moved to Rexburg, Idaho. In September of 1980, she gave birth to her second daughter Sara.

In the late 1980's, Claudia and her family split time between Rexburg and Richardson, Texas as Rodger attended graduate school to earn a Ph.D. In 1996, they moved back to Provo to a home in Edgemont–her most special place on earth–as Rodger began teaching at Brigham Young University. Her favorite thing about their Edgemont home was the picture perfect view of Mount Timpanogos from her back window. She and Rodger made their final move to the Rock Canyon area of Provo–just south of Edgemont.

Claudia devoted all her strengths, talents and love to her family. She spent time loving, teaching, and sharing with each of her children and grandchildren as well as the children of extended family and friends. She volunteered energy and talents while serving in many church positions including teaching youth and adults.

Claudia had a way of connecting with people in a way that made others feel special and valued. Over the course of her life, she developed and maintained lifelong friends–keeping some friendships vibrant over the course of decades. She made time to visit with family, friends, and neighbors even during her final days. She was indeed loved by all.

Her many likes and interests included: reading; decorating (and redecorating) her homes; fresh flowers; the color pink; watching sports–especially BYU football; talking about her family history; singing; loving her pets. Though she enjoyed traveling with Rodger, her heart remained firmly rooted in her home.

Even though she refused to be defined by her limits, Claudia lived with chronic illnesses from her early years. Throughout her life, even during times she was using crutches or a wheelchair, whether mobile or confined to bed, she was adamant about remaining active and independent. She is an example of patience and endurance to all those living with health challenges and chronic illnesses.

Claudia is survived by Rodger Sorensen, husband of 55 years; daughters Sunni Paine (Matt) and Sara Soelberg (Joe); son Joshua Sorensen (Dana); eight grandchildren; sister Naomi Bragg; and too many family members and friends to name.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, and a sister.

Joy and Celebration

Please join us in honoring the love and life of Claudia Sorensen

We miss her with our whole hearts.

We are grateful that she shaped our world into a place

of love and tenderness and hope and laughter.

Rather than a traditional funeral, Claudia requested a unique gathering.

We invite you to remember her as we . . .

GREET – SHARE – EAT

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

Location: Edgemont 7th Ward Building

555 East 3230 North

Provo, UT 84604

GREET (1:00 – 2:15pm) (Relief Society Room)

This is not a viewing (Claudia has been cremated).

Arrive whenever you want. There is no waiting in lines.

This portion of the celebration will be a time of greeting

among family and friends on a personal level.

We will visit together, share memories, and express

feelings of love and loss and laughter about Claudia.

When guests have finished greeting the family,

they may proceed to the chapel where piano music will be playing.

SHARE (2:15 – 3:15pm) (Chapel)

All are invited to gather in the chapel and listen to the beautiful music.

At 2:15, Bishop Haderlie will welcome the guests.

We will sing and pray together.

Travelling microphones will be available

and anyone in the congregation may share something

about Claudia: a memory, a treasured moment, an expression of love, a hope.

Please keep your sharings brief, maybe a minute or so.

These sharings need not be profound, just heart-felt.

You may not want to share. Maybe you just want to sit and listen and think

about this wonderful person we have grown to love so deeply.

EAT (3:15 – 4:30pm) (Cultural Hall)

Family members and friends from out of town are welcome to join in a ritual of eating.

The Pleasant View 7th Ward Relief Society and Elders Quorum

have prepared and provided a wonderful meal of soup and bread (and dessert)

to nourish and expand the conversations amongst friends and families.

Claudia's family extends deeply felt gratitude to all who have joined

in this celebration of thanksgiving and joy,

where we have talked about the influence of Claudia Sorensen upon our lives!