Nerida Claudio

Nerida Claudio, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Nerida was the daughter of the late Francisco Xavier and Delia Maria (Negrón) Claudio.

Nerida’s love of learning began early and remained with her throughout her life. Her years at Hallahan High School for Girls further encouraged her curiosity and desire to learn. Determined to continue her education, she worked various jobs to put herself through college, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University. After earning her degree, Nerida began working as a paralegal in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office with Ed Rendell, where she found the work both interesting and rewarding, further deepening her interest in law.

Nerida was a driven woman who was determined to make her own way in the world. She worked hard to provide a good life for her sons and was a devoted, supportive, and caring mother, sister, and friend. She loved people, loved to talk and laugh, and was always interested in meeting someone new and learning their story. She had a way of elevating the experiences she shared with others, bringing energy, laughter, and a sense of occasion to even the simplest moments.

Always open to new experiences and ready for an adventure, Nerida followed her many interests with enthusiasm. She had a deep love of the arts. She painted and drew and attended Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia, where she continued to develop her artistic talents. She enjoyed the freedom that came with creating, especially the artistic license to embellish, interpret, and make something uniquely her own. Her creativity extended to singing, dancing, acting, and writing.

Nerida attended the Weist Barron Acting School and performed in The Square Egg of Gratchit, a whimsical fairy-tale production presented at theaters throughout the Philadelphia area. She also appeared as an extra in numerous movies over the years. She enjoyed singing with the Glee Club at the Senior Center in South Philadelphia and loved being part of the group.

Nerida was an avid reader who enjoyed many different genres. She was deeply interested in personal growth and self-improvement, always looking for ideas that would help her grow, understand herself, and make sense of the world around her. She was drawn to people, ideas, and subjects that captured her imagination and invited reflection. A talented poet, she wrote her own poetry and had a gift for bringing her words to life when she recited them. She wrote her autobiography, Life Is a Journey, But Oh, What a Ride, though she never got the chance to publish it.

Nerida was fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. She loved looking at the stars and following UFO sightings and took a particular interest in the work of Dr. David M. Jacobs, a retired Temple University historian and researcher known for his investigations into UFO phenomena.

She also enjoyed staying active. Throughout her life, Nerida enjoyed racquetball, jogging, Judo, Tai Chi, and biking. An action-movie lover, she enjoyed seeing new movies with her sons, especially at the Franklin Institute’s IMAX Theater. She loved getting dressed up for special dinners at fine restaurants and walking around Kent Park in Broomall. She also loved gardening and attending the Philadelphia Flower Show, and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Nerida never seemed to run out of things she wanted to see, learn, try, or experience. She was willing to follow an unexpected interest and see where it might lead, bringing her own energy, creativity, and personality to everything she did. Most of all, she will be remembered for the love she gave her family and the joy she brought to the people in her life. She had a way of turning an ordinary outing into something memorable, a conversation into a connection, and an experience into a story worth telling. Her laughter, determination, creativity, warmth, and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Nerida was the loving mother of Edwin Rafael Rivera, Orlando Anthony Rivera, and the late John Francis “Frankie” Rivera. She was the dear sister of Stephen Claudio, Ada Matilde Claudio, and the late Maria Theresa Claudio.

Relatives and friends are invited to Nerida’s Viewing 10:30-11:30 AM Thursday, October 1, 2026 and to her Funeral Service at 11:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Interment at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.