Claudia Alice Smith, the girl who put the "fly" in flight attendant, took off on her final journey on August 8, 2023. Born in Livonia, Michigan on November 30, 1958, she soared through life with a spirit as bright as the stars until she landed her final touchdown in Chicago, Illinois.

Claudia was a world-class traveler from the moment she stepped off a plane in Mexico City as a small child. She always knew she would become a flight attendant. With a degree from Ferris State University, she charted a course that led her to TWA and later, American Airlines. She was a flight attendant extraordinaire, serving her passengers with a generous helping of humor at 30,000 feet. Claudia was spirited and fun loving, her laughter and zeal contagious, and she had many friends who kept in touch for decades.

She is survived by her brother, Bruce Smith, and sister Victoria Rodriguez, her sister-in-law Tina Smith, brother-in-law Antonio Rodriguez, and nephews and niece, Jordan, Rachel, and Steven.

Claudia lived life to the fullest and on her own terms. She illuminated the lives of those who knew her with her unique and generous presence. We bid farewell to Claudia and remember her with joyful and loving memories. She will be deeply missed.