Obituary of Claire Ellen Vanden Broeck

Claire Ellen Vanden Broeck, 66, surrounded by her family, died peacefully, on April 20th from complications due to early onset Alzheimer's. Born in 1956 to Claude and Ellen Vanden Broeck, Claire grew up in Haworth, NJ. Claire's bright smile and enthusiasm accompanied her from New Jersey to California, Montana, Oregon, and finally, Colorado. Claire's love of gymnastics encouraged her to proudly become an Aerobics Instructor and Personal Athletic Trainer, earning professional certifications despite her undiagnosed learning disabilities. Claire's enthusiasm and infectious laugh motivated and endeared herself to her clients. Claire lived a life of courage working to conquer her alcohol addiction. On her own in 2007, she declared herself sober and remained so for the rest of her life. Claire was a devoted animal lover often seen with her dogs on the trails in South Boulder and at Waneka Lake. Her dogs, Rascal, Buster, Scruffy, Scout, Max, Mocha; her cat, Roscoe; and her parents preceded her in death. Claire's family would like to thank all those at Safe at Home, Generations at The Peaks in Lafayette CO, Brookdale Meridian in Englewood, CO, and Lumi Care Hospice who cared for her these past 6 years. Their devotion was welcomed by Claire and her eternally bright spirit. Claire leaves behind her three siblings, Leslie Dale of Portland, OR; Barbara Fernie of Lafayette, CO; and Peter Vanden Broeck of Cleveland, OH; her cat, Skittles; seven nieces and nephews and their families. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 30th, at the Chautauqua Community House, 301 Morning Glory Dr, Boulder, CO 80302, at 1:00 pm. Donations in her honor can be made to the Boulder Valley Humane Society or Luma Care Hospice.