Claire “LaLa” was born in Regina Saskatchewan the 3rd of 4 children all of whom have predeceased her. A self admitted tomboy, Claire loved to ride her brother’s bike without his permission, play baseball with the girls and enjoy the outdoors. With thanks to her parents tenacity and frugal style, Claire was afforded the opportunity to take tap and piano lessons despite the onset of the depression. Claire attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and lessons were taught by Nuns. A strict environment perhaps but she never forgot her lessons and played piano until recently. Moving to Ontario to seek employment, Otis-Fenson, General Electric were employers but her most cherished job was with the Toronto Star. There was always a famous face in the lobby at One Yonge Street and the latest news was up to date with several editions of the paper printed daily. Claire met her Soul Mate Manse and with their daughter Carol they became a family of three. Records and the radio was always close at hand and every genre of music permeated their home. Sometimes with a great deal of coaxing and if it was a Saturday night, a short tap number would provide a secondary level of entertainment!

Claire always walked to her own beat, it seemed she was ahead of the crowd in terms of home décor and cooking. Angel figurines adorned her stereo in the sixties and although Cumin may be quite popular now, in the seventies...not so much. “Surprise Hamburgers” as Claire referred to them could contain a secret spice or blue cheese. Swiss Steak was her claim to fame.

Sadly Claire lost her husband in 1968. Mother and Daughter forged ahead and became their own team. Shopping and Concerts were well loved activities.

Claire gained a son as she refered to him as Carol married her Soul Mate Steve in May 1983. Claire became a Nana to her feline babies Leah and Abbott.

It is imperative that we refer to Angels again, but in this scenario they take on human form. Thank you to Dr. Cheung for his years of care. Thank you to Veronica, Susan, Gabrielle and Gwen who visited Claire and made her smile. Thank you to Alfreda and Elizabeth who watched over Claire and understood her fierce independence. Thank you to Auntie Monica who shared her last hours. Thank you Hvala to our Croatian Family and Friends who always sent delicious treats for Claire to enjoy. Claire especially looked forward to Steve’s Mom Kata’s {Sarma} cabbage rolls. Thank you to John and Katy for their love and kindness . Thank you to our Hamilton Kumovi for sharing our lives. Thank you to our Dear Loyal Cherished Friends and Family for their calls, texts, research, prayers and offers of help. Please know how much they are appreciated. Thank you Susan for serving our Catholic Community. Finally, the Arch Angels who work on the 4th floor who became Claire;s second family. Nurses, Social Worker, Rehab, Dining, Housekeping and the Beautiful Personal Support Workers who looked after Claire the last year- there are not enough words to express our Thanks. The end of life care was especially heart felt - supported with respect, concern and dedication.



We give Thanks for the Life of Claire