Long-time Local 428 union representative Claudia Joy McLoughlin Wallace-Place died on May 10 from complications surrounding a heart attack. She was 73.

A California native, Claudia worked for UFCW Local 428, the San Jose-based predecessor local to Local 5, for more than 20 years before her retirement prior to the merger. Her leadership as a board member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women helped to enhance the rights of women in the workplace throughout California.

“Claudia was a dedicated and passionate advocate for her members and worked tirelessly on their behalf. She was often at worksites or at her desk late into the evening helping resolve issues and seeking justice for those whose contractual rights had been violated,” said former coworker Ron Lind.

Having experienced the tragedy of the murder of a daughter, Claudia served as a long-time grief counselor for Parents of Murdered Children. Donations can be made in her memory to the organization at POMC, 635 West 7^thSt., Suite 104, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203.