Obituary of Claudia Ann Kurjakovic

Claudia Ann Kurjakovic, of 124 East Elm Street, died suddenly from a terminal illness on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the Erie County Medical Center, following a battle with mental illness. Claudia was born Dec. 29, 1985 in Keflavik, Iceland and was a daughter of Vel and Cindy M. Chismire Kurjakovic. Claudia was a 2004 graduate of Olean High School. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude in 2008 from Syracuse University with a degree in International Relations. Claudia worked as a social worker for a period of time. She formerly lived in Port Allegany, where she grew up. Claudia recently lived in Buffalo before moving back to Olean. Claudia enjoyed international traveling and had studied abroad. She was educated in Medicare Law. Claudia loved studying, education, knowledge, current events and foreign affairs. She loved horses and was an accomplished equestrian. Also, Claudia was active in local and regional theatre. Claudia is survived by her mother, Cindy M. Kurjakovic of Olean; her stepmother, Nancy A. Kurjakovic of Corning; a stepbrother, Michael Howland of Greenville, SC; three aunts, JoAnn (Enrico) Chismire Zautzik of Rome, Italy, Susan (Max) Chismire Greeley of Roulette, PA and Nevenka Kurjakovic Harverson of Pittsburgh, PA; and five cousins, Hannah Greeley of Washington, D.C., Isaac (Laura) Greeley of Pittsburgh, PA, Lisa (Robert) Nay of Raleigh, NC, Adam (Noel) Greeley of Collegeville, PA and Giuliano Zautzik of London, England. Claudia was predeceased by her father, Vel Kurjakovic on July 9, 2011. Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State Street, Olean on Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at which time a Memorial Service will be held. The Rev. Nila M. McIntyre will officiate. Memorials may be made to the SPCA of Cattaraugus County, #2944 State Route 16 North, Olean, New York 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.