Claudia Liebrecht passed away peacefully at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Her last week was filled with family and friends and a dinner party of camaraderie. Claudia was raised in New York, lived for years in Edina, Minnesota (where she was also known as Claudia Hollenbeck), and retired in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Claudia attended Duke University and soon after became a renowned educator at Manhasset High School in New York and later at Saint Paul Academy in Minnesota. She was a caring and dedicated educator who brought history to life through her storytelling – quickly becoming known as “the
most popular teacher.” Claudia instilled this passion within her family and taught them countless lessons about history, politics and the world around them.
Claudia went on to earn an MBA, leaving teaching for new opportunities. She held successful careers at Honeywell, the Minnesota Trade Office and Children’s HeartLink, a charity that trains pediatric surgeons to help children and youth in underserved nations.
Claudia brought with her this spirit of giving as she moved to Scottsdale, where she continued to serve children’s charities. When histories are written about the role of pioneering women in the workplace, hers should not be forgotten.
Claudia traveled with interest for both work and pleasure throughout her life visiting African nations, China and countries throughout Europe. She toured with friends and family and recently inspired two granddaughters to retrace her footsteps at Ephesus, a renowned historic site in modern-day Turkey.
Claudia is survived by her son Jeffrey Leverich, and her daughter Dia Hollenbeck Minkow. Her grandchildren include Gila and Emma (the children of Dia Hollenbeck Minkow and Andrew Minkow); Madison, Callie, and Isabel (the children of Jeffrey Leverich and Leigh Ellen Caro-Leverich) – and her great granddaughter Hazel, the daughter of Callie Caro-Leverich and Jeff Goldmintz, whom she lovingly met.
Throughout her life, Claudia was blessed by the love and support of the Leverich family who took her in after the loss of her young husband, Walden Leverich. She was equally blessed by the love of her sister Suzanne Joyce and her four children who adored their aunt for the intelligence and humor and kindness that she brought into their lives.
Claudia’s adventurous spirit, admirable independence and efforts to make the world a better place will always be an inspiration for her family.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date in Long Island, NY
