Claudette Kay DeCory Blaes

Claudette Kay DeCory Blaes was born in 1936 in Lead, South Dakota to Claude Charles DeCory and Bethel Irene Jensen DeCory. Her father was a career Army officer and she lived in numerous states and countries throughout her formative years. 

Claudette graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1958 with a BA in English and Language Arts. During her years at IU, she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Shortly after graduation, Claudette began a teaching career in San Diego, California. She met her husband, Michael David Blaes, at a Naval Officers' Ball, and they were married in 1960. 

The couple moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1963. Claudette continued her education at the University of Utah and graduated in 1974 with a MA in Educational Psychology. She then began a career as a high school guidance counselor from 1976-1999 at Highland High School. She found working with the students to be immensely gratifying. 

Claudette was an avid snow skier, an accomplished pianist, and she enjoyed hiking and mountain biking throughout the Wasatch Range. Travel was one of Claudette's favorite activities, and she and her husband were particularly fond of visiting the South of France.

She is survived by her children, Lisa Blaes Romer (Craig), Mark Blaes, Christopher Blaes (Dina), and her grandchildren, Katherine Romer Wilkins (Eric), Emily Romer, Caroline Romer, Benjamin Romer, Archie Blaes, Leo Blaes, Anna Blaes, and great-grandson, Bennett Wilkins. 

A private family memorial service will be held in Virginia, and Claudette will be interred beside her husband. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.