The Costa del Sol expat community is mourning the loss of a well-loved German resident who has been described as an ‘iconic’ figure in Torremolinos.
Claudia Frida Elisabeth, who ran the popular Claudia’s Bar and was a familiar face across the resort for well over a decade, died following complications after an operation, her bar confirmed on Monday.
Announcing the news on Facebook, Claudia’s Bar wrote: ‘It’s with the heaviest of hearts to inform everyone that Claudia passed away on the 4th with complications after an operation.
‘I know she was well loved by many and this will come as a shock.’
The announcement triggered an outpouring of grief from friends, customers and local businesses who remembered Claudia as one of Torremolinos’ most colourful and much-loved personalities.
One of the first tributes came from VIDA Bar Torremolinos, which wrote: ‘Claudia! What the f** are you doing? Another outspoken and colourful personality has left us.
‘We’re going to miss you so much. We’ll keep sending you Heinekens up there. Rest in peace.’
Hundreds of friends have since shared messages remembering her larger-than-life character.
‘Torremolinos has lost the best loving b***h in town,’ one friend wrote.
Another described her as ‘one of the first locals I met when I started work in Torremolinos – a great lady, mad as a box of frogs, and such a great friend to so many.’
‘Torremolinos won’t be the same without Claudia,’ another added.
Friends also remembered her as ‘one in a million’, ‘a beautiful, warm and funny person’ and ‘such a colourful personality.’
One tribute read: ‘I loved arguing with her. I hope she doesn’t start arguing with St Peter to let her in.’
Another said simply: ‘She touched so many lives.’
Many admitted they were struggling to come to terms with the news.
‘So sad, I can’t believe I’m reading this,’ one person wrote.
Another added: ‘I’m in total shock and lost for words.’
Known for her infectious smile, outspoken humour and love of sharing a beer with friends, Claudia had become a fixture of Torremolinos’ international community through her bar, which served as a popular meeting place for locals and expats alike.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
