Claudia (Wohlfarth) Heller, 80, a longtime resident of Wayland passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Howard Richard “Dick” Heller, with whom she shared more than 50 years of love, laughter and partnership.
Born in Bay Shore, Long Island on September 17, 1945, Claudia was the daughter of the late Wesley and Helen (DeCarmine) Wohlfarth. She grew up in Islip, N.Y. alongside her two sisters and graduated from Islip High School. She went on to attend SUNY Cortland and Boston University, where she earned degrees in education and discovered her passion for teaching. Claudia began her career on Long Island, where fate introduced her to the love of her life, Dick Heller. The two were married on December 21, 1969, in Central Islip, N.Y., before settling in Wayland to raise their two sons.
Within the Wayland Public Schools, Claudia taught preschool and kindergarten before spending the majority of her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Happy Hollow Elementary School. She was a gifted and nurturing educator who inspired generations of students with her patience, warmth and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Beyond the classroom, Claudia was a talented artist who took great pleasure in drawing and painting, reading, gardening, decorating her home and spirited political discussions. She was known for her eye for fashion and elegant sense of style. Claudia had a lovely singing voice and was a dedicated longtime member of the Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus. Her home was filled with love, laughter and the sound of her humming as she prepared meals. Holidays were made special by her traditions — especially her famous Christmas lasagna, always followed by freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Claudia also cherished trips to Long Island and Martha’s Vineyard to visit family and friends.
She leaves behind her sons, Christopher (Kristen) Heller and Matthew (Samantha) Heller; her grandchildren Anderson and Jackson Heller of Norfolk and Jocelyn Heller, Lilah, Jaxson, and Evelynn Brookman of Auburn. Claudia is also survived by her sisters, Kathi Merlino of East Islip, N.Y., and Robin (Frank) Gerber of Clearwater, Fla.; her cousins, Patricia Quinn, India DeCarmine; her dear friend and colleague, Karen Sylva of Wayland in addition to several nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.
A celebration of Claudia’s life was held on Sunday, Oct. 12 at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home in Wayland. Burial will be private and at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in loving memory of Claudia, to support ongoing research, and care for those affected: donorservices.alz.org.
