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Light a Candle
Claudelle Lenung Tampubolon Francis, 99, passed away January 7, 2018 in Winterhaven, Florida with her family by her side. Claudelle was born November 15, 1918 to Ben Tampubolon and Helen Turner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in New York City where she met and married Joseph Francis in 1933. Claudelle and Joe loved to dance and entertain family and friends almost every weekend at their home in Ozone Park. Together they raised their 8 children; Barbara, twins Joe and Benny, Tony, Billy, Pam, Val and Michael until Joe’s untimely death in 1967. In 1976 Claudelle met John Cartwright. During their 42 years together, they it hey shared a love of music, travel and dogs. These interests eventually led them to Bartow, Florida where they’ve lived together for the last 28 years. Claudelle lost her mother when she was a teenager and while she was devastated by that loss, it gave her great inner strength. She became a mother of 8 children and fostered 2 more and care-giver to her husband Joe, her father, sister and daughter. We called her Momma and she loved and nurtured us all. Her passing leaves a hole in the lives of all she touched, she will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Francis, children; Joe, Benny, Barbara, Val, her sister Valyrie and brother Den. Claudelle is survived by her husband John Cartwright, children; Anthony and his wife Carol Francis, William Francis, Pamela Tampubolon and Michael Francis, grandchildren; Christian, Vance, Joey, Jade, Chance, Benny, Jared, Owen, Billy, David, Candice, Tony, Holly, Simone, Simone, Martin, Desi, Van, Pammy, Nicole, Toni Jewel, and Michelle, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
