Claudia Heller, a longtime columnist for several newspapers in Southern California and an enthusiastic Route 66 researcher, died at 79.
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported she died on Dec. 11 after a lengthy illness. She and her husband of 60 years, Alan, were just a few days from each celebrating their 80th birthdays.
Claudia Heller was born and raised in Hollywood and graduated from Los Angeles City College with a degree in journalism. She and Alan met as freshmen at Hollywood High. They moved to Duarte in 1980 and enmeshed themselves in community life. She served as president of the Duarte Historical Society and Duarte Woman’s Club, stewarded the city’s historical museum and from 1991 to 2022, wrote a column for the Southern California News Group.
She and Alan, a photographer, collaborated on three books, “Life on Route 66, ““Duarte Chronicles” and “Curiosities of the California Desert.” The Route 66 book came out of the 2,400-mile road trip the couple took when they retired, not accidentally, at age 66.
“People say a picture is worth a thousand words, well I say, yes, I took the pictures, but she always had the perfect thousand words,” he said.
The Hellers’ book, “Life on Route 66,” was published in 2012. The Route 66 News review of it can be read here.
Duarte Mayor Jody Schulz weighed in on Heller’s death:
“She and her husband Alan have been a part of the fabric of our community for decades and are always engaged in activities with the city and for seniors, youth and the museum. Her writings captured the essence of Duarte, Route 66, and the San Gabriel Valley. She was eloquent and straightforward, creative and a bright gem who always knew the right words to capture a moment.” […]
“Thank you, Claudia, for all you have done and written and supported,” she added. “I have a feeling that you are still getting your kicks, now with a better view, watching all of us here, waving from Route 66.”
One of her daughters posted dozens of photos from Claudia’s life:
Heller is survived by her husband and two children.
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