Claudia Lakis

My dear friend Aline's sister, Claudia (left), worked as an electrical engineer in the tower that faced the port in Beirut, Lebanon.  She was in her office when the port explosion happened yesterday and she sadly perished in the blast. 

Claudia was only 44 years old and leaves behind two daughters, aged 18 and 19 (together with Claudia in the front page picture), and a loving husband.   She was the breadwinner for her family and also financially supported Aline's mother.  Claudia's daughters are in college, paying tuition in USD, and given the political troubles in Lebanon their local currency has been deflated 500%.  They also have very little money saved, given the currency deflation situation.  Claudia worked all the time to provide for her family, and stayed late at work that last night after sending her staff home just to make sure that everything was in order and ready for the next day.  

This situation is particularly devastating, because the family lost Aline's brother as well a few years ago when he picked up a hand grenade.  Aline is trying to fly to Lebanon tomorrow to comfort her family and pay her respects to her sister, if she can get a negative COVID test in time.  

The Lakis family is asking for support to pay for Claudia's funeral expenses and to help ensure that Claudia's daughters do not have to leave school.  Any help is more than appreciated.