Claudene , born May 2, 1936, passed quietly from this earth on February 3, 2021, 9:15 am, at her daughter’s home in Elkins. She is survived by her son, Robert Lewis Cross, daughter, Alice-gervais Sabatino, granddaughter, Lydia Nadine Geelhaar, grandson, Benjamin Geelhaar, adopted son, William Hamner, granddaughter, Luna Dansereau, and great-grandson, Julian Michael Kelly-Zito.
Claudene had a very illustrious life. These are just some of the highlights. She started dancing at the age of 4 and at the age of 18, in Kanawha Co, she created the 1st Integrated dance school in WV. She also was asked to create and be part of the entertainment on the 1st TV Variety show in Charleston, during this time she became the dance instructor for the majorettes at Garnett High school in Kanawha Co and they went on to win the state majorette competition. Later she moved to NYC where she worked as a secretary; auditioned, then went on to become a Radio City Music Hall Rockette. She later moved to S. Miami Beach where she met her husband Robert Cross at which time she became a designer with the Miami Merchandise Mart where she won many awards as a Men’s apparel and showroom designer. Still in Fla., while raising two children, Claudene and her husband Robert, created several businesses, such as The Frontier Saloon, The Bronsonian Institute( Clothing Store in Bronson Fla) and the Rec Hall. When the family moved to Belle, WV. . Claudene became a buyer for two major Department Stores in Charelston, which led her back to NYC, where she became a buyer for Cohen Bros and worked there for many years. She eventually moved to Clarksburg and began another business with her family called the 212 Pub. The Pub was a local neighborhood beer bar that she ran for 30 years. Although a very small establishment, the Pub had a HUGE impact on the community. During these years, Claudene, met John Hofford (alias Jack Kelly) and went on to costume many theater productions such as
” Suessical the Musical” and. babes in Toyland for the Clarksburg community Theater and the Lake Tahoe community theater. She won the Italian Festival’s Pasta Cook-off 10 years in a row; after which they simply gave her the trophy, and told her to keep it. She also operated ‘The Ordinary’ restaurant on Pike St. in Clarksburg, WV.. Her moto: Live music, Good food, and good friends prevails even after her passing.
Claudene enjoyed a very rich and full life and shared that with all who came in contact with her. She was a unique and creative force, and a proud West Virginian!
