Claudia Mae Wilson

Claudia’s family is deeply saddened by her passing but comforted by the knowledge that she is no longer in pain and that they will see her again. She passed away on June 30th. Claudia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and fought it with strength and determination. She was in remission until June 2025, when the cancer returned.

Claudia was born on March 3, 1943, in Salt Lake City to Marjorie Reese and Miland Charles Knight. She attended Granite High School and graduated in 1961. After Marjorie divorced Miland, she married Calvin Wilson, who helped raise Claudia. The family lived in a small home at the Tracy Aviary—still standing today—where Claudia was raised alongside her sisters, Jeneal and Liz. Calvin worked as a caretaker at the aviary, and the family lived there for eight years before moving to South Salt Lake.

As a child, Claudia enjoyed sitting on her bed, reading the Sunday funnies to her sisters. She also helped her dad around the aviary and later took a job at Liberty Park selling cotton candy and operating the Ferris wheel.

Claudia married her high school sweetheart, Jesse C. Salisbury, and together they had three daughters: Stephanie, Tammy, and Robyn. They later divorced, and she never remarried. A devoted mother, Claudia worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She cleaned homes and businesses—often bringing her children along—then worked as a cashier at Albertsons, and later as an executive secretary at Security National Life Insurance, where she spent 30 years before retiring. At one point, she held five jobs simultaneously to support her daughters and keep their family together. After retiring, she enjoyed volunteering at a local elementary school to help a friend.

Claudia was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found peace and purpose in attending the temple.

When it was just Claudia and Robyn at home, they took many trips to Lava Hot Springs. After Robyn married, Claudia and Tammy became travel companions, exploring Pennsylvania, Washington, California, Oregon, and Southern Utah, where they loved attending shows at Tuacahn. She had been planning a trip to Alaska before her passing.

Claudia was well known for her homemade pickles, which continue to be raved about to this day. She won several ribbons at the State Fair for her pickles, canned vegetables, and jam. In later years, she could often be found cheering on her grandchildren at their various activities, including dance, marching band, soccer, basketball, and piano.

She was a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, where she served as Salt Lake Canyon Trails Chaplain for two years. At Stratford Camp, she taught lessons and served as Parliamentarian for eight years. She also actively participated in international conventions, company conventions, and the Jubilee. Claudia enjoyed serving alongside her sister, Jeneal.

Her favorite pastime was playing Bingo at the Murray senior center with her dear friends. Nothing could keep her from Bingo—appointments had to be scheduled around it. Some of her grandkids’ favorite moments were receiving a call, twice a week, to tell them whether she had won.

Claudia was also proud to own a McLaren... RC car. She loved racing remote-control cars with her grandchildren and would laugh as they accidentally ran hers over.

Claudia is survived by her sisters, Jeneal White and Liz (Bill) Wilson; her daughters, Stephanie (Terry) Wright, Tammy Parker, and Robyn (Jeremy) Jones; her grandchildren, Reily Wright, TJ Jones, Morgan Jones, and Camryn Jones; and her niece, Jeanette Hartvigsen. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, cousin Jo Ragner and her brother-in-law, John White.

The family would like to thank the compassionate nurses at Hunter Hollow—especially Sebastian and Chelsea—for the excellent care Claudia received. They also extend their gratitude to Rocky Mountain Hospice, especially Eva and Amber, for their kind support during Claudia’s final days.

Claudia’s viewing will be held on July 6th from 6-8 pm, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint Meetinghouse, located at 1495 Tamarack Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123

Funeral Services will take place on July 7th at 11 with a viewing one hour prior. The funeral will take place at the same location.

Interment will take place at the Taylorsville Cemetery, 4567 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, Utah 84123 directly following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating in Claudia’s name to the Murray Senior Center or the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. They also invite you to enjoy a game of Bingo and a brownie, with no frosting, in her honor.