Claudine Georgette (Kirk) Gogol

Claudine Georgette Gogol (Kirk)

July 29th, 1928, Armentieres, France - June 8th, 2023, Ashtabula, OH

Claudine was born in Armentieres, France to Frank and Yvonne Kirk and grew up with her brothers Jacques and Francis and sister Yvette. She emigrated to England after being evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk. There she married her husband, Stefan Gogol[1] , and gave birth to her first three daughters. Claudine and Stefan emigrated to Ohio in 1951, settling in the Ashtabula community where they raised their growing family, directly sharing love and support with five daughters and helped raise two granddaughters, adopting one. She graciously shared her story of the challenges she had overcome as a war refugee and young mother transplanted across the world whenever she thought they might help us navigate a new life transition, of which she has supported and shepherded many.

As a mother and grandmother, Claudine imparted the incredible strength and tenacity she demonstrated throughout her life to her daughters and grandchildren, who inherited those genes and continue to live her legacy through those qualities daily. She loved her family fiercely and tremendously and it is that model of love, that children and grandchildren alike felt so deeply growing up, that still bonds our family tightly together today, and which has taught us to love through multiple generations. She gave selflessly to those she loved and charities she supported. She continues to be the source of strength and togetherness for our family as we nurture the life she sacrificed for and built for us.

Most admirably, she was not afraid to speak her mind and her opinions commanded attention. Whether she was meeting someone new while running errands, bantering with her doctors, or involved in deep conversation with family and friends, her sharp wit, smart jokes, and wisdom, her presence and personality commanded the room and brought connection and levity to each interaction. She always knew how to handle even the most sensitive conversations with humor and compassion, and engage on any topic with unparalleled intelligence and insight.

She enjoyed reading and observing her beautiful french gardens. Colorful flowers were ever present in the many celebrations she hosted. Most importantly, as matriarch, she is the heart of our family and the epicenter of all the kisses and hugs at each family gathering. Fittingly, she passed surrounded by the same love and togetherness that she gave to us. We will miss her endlessly but are privileged to carry forward the feistiness, insight, and love she taught us to keep her with us always.

Claudine/‘mom’/‘Memere’ leaves an extensive legacy through her six daughters Franciszka ‘Frani’ Gogol (Jack), Danuta ‘Danni’ Gogol (Jere), Sabina ‘B’ Gogol (Dave), Stefania ‘Steffie’ Loveridge (Jim), Kristyna ‘Krisia’ Keenan, and Claudine ‘Doodie’ Gogol; ten grandchildren: Yvette Puthoff (Bob), Stefan Loveridge (Glyn), Jeremy Loveridge (Jasmyn), Natasha Loveridge (Hutch), Ashley Keenan, Shanen Keenan, Bridget Keenan (Mike), Jacqueline ‘Jacquie’ Nadler (Yoni) and five great grandchildren, Courtney, Gavan Burns, Dylan Burns, Lochlan Loveridge, and Fletcher Loveridge and one great-great grandchild, Letti. She is loved and celebrated among them as well as close cousins and family around the world. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband (and beloved dziadzio) Stefan Gogol, two brothers, and one sister.

A private funeral will be held for family, but we invite all those who loved her to join us for a Celebration of Life on July 29th, 2023 at midday in Ashtabula, OH, with a dish to pass and a memory to share. Details to follow.

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