Claudia Lynn Goerke

Claudia Lynn Goerke, age 73, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at Altercare Cuyahoga Falls in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She was born on September 29, 1953, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Edwin Jeffers and Helen Jeffers (Homer).

Claudia spent most of her life residing in North Canton, where she touched countless lives with her generous spirit and compassionate heart. She was a proud graduate of Glenwood High School. Following high school, she pursued her deep passion for helping others by entering the field of nursing. She dedicated her life to caring for those in their most critical moments, spending the majority of her career as an ICU nurse at Aultman Hospital, later retiring from her career in 2013.

Throughout her life, Claudia’s story was defined by her immense strength. She was a true warrior as she faced and overcame the daily struggles of Multiple Sclerosis. Even in her hardest times, Claudia found ways to bring others joy through art, handmade crafts, baking, and cooking. She had a profound love for music and was a familiar face in the Canton music scene, constantly supporting local musicians and surrounding herself with many friends. To many of her children’s friends, she was affectionately known as "Mama G," a title she wore with immense pride.

Above all else, her greatest joy was her children. She was a devoted mother to her two children and found so much happiness in her role as a grandmother in the later parts of her life. She shared these children with Gregory Goerke and deeply enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren grow up together.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin G. Jeffers and Helen L. Jeffers; nephew, Ryan Omspacker; and two partners to whom she provided exceptional care for later in life: the love of her life, Cornel Muntean, and her later partner, Robert Chaffin.

Claudia is survived by her loving children, Geoffrey Goerke and his wife Abby, and Jennifer Stiles and her husband John; and the father of her children Gregory Goerke. She is the cherished grandmother of Cassidy and Josephine Goerke, and Colton and Cade Stiles.

She also leaves behind her four devoted siblings: Dr. Gary Jeffers (Nancy), Dr. Dennis Jeffers (Nancy), Susan Stebbins (Dave), and Kathleen Sovik (Frank Mariano). Her memory will live on through her five nieces, seven great-nieces, two great-nephews, and an endless circle of dear friends.

Claudia’s legacy of love, creativity, and resilience will be never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Monday, November 9th, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Adams Mason Funeral Home, 791 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44305.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Claudia’s honor to the organization that provided her with the most amazing care throughout her journey: The Oak Clinic, 3838 Massillon Rd. Suite 360, Uniontown, OH 44685, or online at https://www.oakclinic.com/donate.