Founding First 5 Ventura County Executive Director and children’s advocate Claudia Harrison, 64, whose leadership and passion inspired so many, lost her battle with cancer. She passed away in her home in Ojai, CA on October 29, 2016 surrounded by family and friends.
Claudia was born on August 5, 1952 in New York to Marge and Leon Harrison. After graduating from Tufts University, Claudia earned an MBA from Boston College. Claudia worked in health care in Mexico, consulted for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and was a Director at Blue Cross of California. She helped establish First 5 Ventura County where she served as the Executive Director from 2000 until her death. Her vision was to weave the fabric of community so tightly that no child could slip through.
After marrying Mike Smith, they spent time on the east coast and in Mexico, before settling in Ojai, CA where they raised their son, Connor. Claudia loved traveling in Central and South America, and most recently volunteered for dental missions in Guatemala. Claudia was a true champion for young children and worked tirelessly promoting early literacy. She was also an active member of Temple Beth Torah in Ventura, CA.
Claudia is survived by her loving son, Connor Smith, 20; brother, Charlie; mother, Marge; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike Smith and her father, Leon Harrison.
A Memorial Service will be held on November 3, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Torah at 7620 Foothill Road, Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Claudia’s memory to support Connor at https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-claudia-harrison or Camp Kesem, a program that supports children through and beyond their parents’ cancer at http://campkesem.org/ucla/donate