Claudia Ann Hennessy's Obituary
Claudia Ann Hennessy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and retired teacher, passed peacefully on March 12, 2026, surrounded by love.
Born July 1, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, she lived a life full of compassion, curiosity, and quiet strength. Raised in Illinois and deciding to return after graduating from Creighton University, she found her passion working as a dedicated teacher. Claudia spent her career, during which she obtained a Master’s of Education from Loyola University, nurturing young minds with patience, creativity, and a belief in every student’s potential. A lifelong lover of animals of all kinds, she found joy in every creature she met especially her beloved dogs, Jenny, Kyle and Snowball, and her cat, Miss Kitty. She shared a love for all things nautical with her husband Mike — boats, the water, and even the rhythm of the waves was a constant source of delight. Claudia especially cherished sitting on her dock swing watching the beautiful sunsets from her lakefront Tavares, FL., home of the last 20 years during her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas, and Helen McCabe; her first husband, Bernard Francis Carlo.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, Mike Hennessy; her son, Bernard Douglas Carlo, and wife Amy Carlo; her stepson, Mark Carlo; her stepdaughter, Katie Ryza; her stepson, Sean Hennessy, her brother, Douglas McCabe, and wife Caroline; her cherished grandchildren, William, Grace, Tea, Christopher, Heather, and Elizabeth; and her great-grandchildren, Kenadi and Rylee. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry her memory forward.
Her presence was a gift to her family and the many lives she touched.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis, FL, on April 7 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to CureSMA in loving memory of her courageous battle, THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!
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