Claudia Dandrea

Claudia Ann Dandrea, 88, died peacefully at her home in Billings on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with her family close. 

Claudia was born near Duluth, Minnesota on September 13, 1937, to Stanley and Elma Paulson.

Claudia met Mike Dandrea at the ice skating rink while they were in high school after he dated her friend. Mike asked Claudia to write to him when he was stationed in Alaska. They were engaged the first time he was home on leave.  The next time he was home on leave, he decided they should get married right away. So, three days later, they were married!  When he got out of the service, they lived in Spokane and Kennewick and raised four kids. They moved to Montana in 1967 to help open a new Albertson’s store.

Claudia volunteered in the library at the kids’ school and managed the household until the kids were older.  She started working at Sears where she stayed until she retired (25 years).  Mike was already retired and had taken over several of her daily chores so… when she was asked to work one more Christmas season for Sears, she did it!  After Christmas, they divided up the chores and enjoyed their retirement together.  Claudia was a wonderful mom/grandma/great grandma and enjoyed weekend visits by family (especially when they brought her fancy coffee)! 

Mike and Claudia were married for almost 63 years.  After Mike died in 2018, their daughter, Jules, moved from AZ to stay with her and help manage the household chores. The family is forever grateful for that sacrifice. 

Claudia is survived by their children: Michael (Julie), Wayne (Pam), Brian (Julie), and daughter Jules. She also leaves eight grandkids and five great-grandkids and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside celebration of Claudia’s life will be held Saturday, May 30, at the Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank Visiting Angels and Compassus Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rose Park Elementary or Allies in Aging. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com