ADRIAN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-06-21 published
ROSS,
Claire
Isabel (née
REID)
Died June 17th in Kingston, Ontario where her devoted daughter
Cindy ensured that her final years were made comfortable. Claire
was the loving daughter of Harold and Clara
(SUTTON)
REID of
Montreal. When Claire grew up in Quebec higher education was
a luxury only the affluent could afford. She was sent to secretarial
school and then to work at an early age. However, this did not
deter her from reading widely, developing a love of poetry, and
learning everything she could. Indeed, Claire was a quick and
able student who easily mastered anything she set about to learn,
whether it was playing bridge, dancing, or learning to speak
French. Later, her children came to depend upon her ability and
strength of character. They rightly felt that she could do anything
- and do it with loving kindness and grace. She could make clothes,
hats, upholstery, draperies, pottery, all with her characteristic
beauty and elegance. Lucky recipients treasured her hand knit
sweaters as one of a kind works of art. Claire was an exceptional
and sophisticated cook, who also had flawless taste in interior
decorating; she could turn an ordinary room into a beautiful,
cozy oasis. Although Claire had a quick and lively wit, she never
criticized people or said an unkind word about anyone. She was
always cheerful and loved fun as she made everyone feel happy
and welcome while she provided endless hospitality. Her husband,
Ralph, who died in 1969, often said that the luckiest day of
his life was the day he met Claire. She is survived by her three
adoring children, Deborah
CAMPBELL (David) Fredericton, New Brunswick,
Cynthia McKEGNEY (Brian) Sydenham, Ontario, and Ian
ROSS (Cheryl)
Toronto, and her five beloved grandchildren, Kate and Neal
McKEGNEY,
Ross CAMPBELL, and Madeleine and Evan
ROSS.
Also surviving are
her three sisters, Mabel
ADRIAN,
Jessie
REESE and Shirley
RAMSAY
for whom she was a loving sister. She also helped raise two step-daughters,
Ruth LEVY and the late Mary
KELTON, who were grateful for her
compassion and generosity. She was the brilliant, shining light
of our lives and we treasure her memory. In keeping with Claire's
wishes, cremation will be followed by a private family service.
In lieu of donations, please do something kind for someone today
in memory of Claire.
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