Claudia Durand, 65, of Alexandria, passed away on November 7, 2011, at the Douglas County Hospital  after a two year struggle with ovarian cancer.  Graveside services for Claudia were held on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Long Prairie.

Claudia was born December 21, 1945, in Mahnomen to Sherman & June (Loraas) Harvey.  She attended school in Mahnomen and Bloomington, MN.   She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  

Her and her son Mark Jr. moved to Alexandria where she worked for Bellanca Aircraft for several years. While in Alexandria, she learned to groom dogs where she found that she had a special touch with animals. She then attended college in Waseca for Veterinary Assistant at the age of 29. She graduated in 1977 and began working at a large/small animal clinic in Owatonna. She bought her first standard poodle and began taking her son, Mark Jr. to dog shows while she showed and groomed dogs.  She owned a pet and grooming supply shop for several years.  In 1987 she moved to Eagan, MN and starting working for the VA Medical Center.  Claudia later attended Bethel University for research, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in 1996.  She worked for the Veteran's Administration for many years retiring in 2009.  She was a member of the AKA and a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. 

Claudia enjoyed reading, going to garage sales and being around family and friends.  Christmas was the highlight of her year when she would bake cookies and bars with her nieces and nephews.

Claudia is survived by her son Mark Durand of Long Prairie, siblings:  Susan Rosenlund of Browerville, Ted (Janet) Harvey of Blaine, Tim (Joan) Harvey of Long Prairie, Lisa (Larry) Kramer of Hector and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Claudia is preceded in death by her parents, June (Loraas) and Sherman Harvey.