Claudia Dilys Cunningham (Nowicki) passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023, in Missoula, Montana. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Edward, and her cherished daughter, Madeline Jane. She also leaves behind her siblings, Michael, Julia, and Joan, as well as nieces Anne, Corinne, Jessica, Julia, and nephew John.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 14, 1958, Claudia was the daughter of Ervin and Dorothy (Humphreys) Nowicki. Following her graduation from Shorewood High School, she spent some time in San Francisco where she worked for Charles Schwab. 

Her adventurous spirit then led her to Alaska, where she held various positions at the Galena Airport. It is believed that she was the only deputy sheriff to ever wear high-heeled clogs while on duty. 😀

A devoted fan of rock 'n' roll, Claudia enjoyed listening to artists such as Todd Rundgren, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and the Hollies. She was also an avid reader and her favorite authors included Kurt Vonnegut, CS Lewis, John Steinbeck, J.D. Salinger, and Katherine Mansfield, among many others. 

In 1990, Claudia moved to Polson, Montana, where she met her future husband, Robert. The couple welcomed their daughter, Maddie, in 1997. Claudia dedicated herself to being the best wife and mother possible, with Robert and Maddie always at the center of her world.

Throughout her life, Claudia was passionate about helping others. She took great pride in working with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, assisting them in reclaiming their ancestral lands. In the months leading up to her passing, Claudia had the opportunity to address a group in Kenosha, Wisconsin, discussing issues faced by indigenous communities. She passionately conveyed, “When it comes to understanding the issues and damages that indigenous people experience, the most powerful thing is education, the history of the people. SKC is fabulous. I want everyone to go to that school for at least one year. I learned so much." See full video here.

In 2010, she authored a book titled Biting Back: A No-Nonsense, No-Garlic Guide to Facing the Personal Vampires in Your Life, published by Llewellyn Books. Her insightful work about self-empowerment and overcoming toxic dependency has since been translated into multiple languages.

The last copy of her book on Amazon was purchased by one of the compassionate nurses who cared for Claudia in the ICU at Missoula Community Medical Center, shortly before her passing.

Claudia carried with her a beautiful light that brightened every room she entered. Her quick sense of humor, contagious laugh, and unmatched storytelling abilities will be very dearly missed. 

Claudia had a unique gift for forming deep and lasting friendships wherever she lived. She valued her connections, maintaining close ties with her high school friends, among countless others, until the end. Many people feel as though they have lost their best friend with her passing.

Honoring Claudia's wishes, the family will plan two informal gatherings in Polson, Montana, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes at: https://csktribes.org/