Obituary of Lois Clarke

Lois passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 8 in her 99^th year.  Devoted wife for almost 60 years of John (Jack) Clarke. Loving mother of Michael (Sarah), Ann (David) Anderson, Don (Keith), and Joan (deceased).  Greatly missed grandmother to Kendra (Dave) Boyd and Megan.  Lois was excited to be a great-grandmother to Ben Clarke. 

Lois was the daughter of Ed and Clara (Gillesse) Shields.  She was predeceased by her siblings Fred, Pat, Marjorie, Don, Bill, and Jim, and by their spouses.  She is survived by her husband’s sister, Lorna Kelly.  She will also be fondly remembered by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. 

Lois was born and lived her life in Ottawa.  She was an intrepid sports participant and a passionate fan, a voracious reader, a ruthless card player, a rambling walker, a proud nurse, and a committed mother.  She was proud to be one of the first known Roman Catholic graduates from the Ottawa Civic Hospital Nursing Program, and to then stay on at the hospital.

Her enthusiastic editing and typing skills helped all her children, and one future son-in-law, through school and into their professional lives.  Lois justly claimed she was entitled to at least one of the four B. Comm. that the group earned.  Had they known, our professors would have applauded Mom’s improvements to the logic and clarity of our submissions.

Lois was involved in her community and her church throughout her life, always willing to help others, without an attempt to impose on them.  Notably, her volunteer ESL classes assisted women to integrate into Canadian society.

Lois was resolutely happy throughout her long life.  Her children and grandchildren all remember the “positive life attitude” lectures that helped shape us and make us successful in life. 

The family thanks the staff of the West End Villa, and the community of private PSW’s who helped Lois through her final years, particularly the astounding Khedija Ahmed-Ghumeshy. 

Family and friends may pay their respects at Pinecrest Cemetery, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON.  On Saturday June 4, 2022, there will be a service in the chapel at 2 pm, followed by a reception in the Visitation Centre.  In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, we ask that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.