Dartmouth, NS
August 24, 1930 - March 22, 2024
Claire Margaret Reynolds died peacefully, her family by her side, at her residence on March 22, 2024.
BornAugust 24, 1930 in Corner Brook, NL, she was the daughter of Rachael and Abner Oates. She is survivedby daughters Linda (Dave) Fougere, and Valeria Rhymes, son Mark ( Janice) Reynolds as well as.grandchildren Dawn, Tammy (Duane), Michael, Darryl (Ela), and Heather (Matthew), great-grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Erica, Michael Henry, Gregory Frederick, and Madison and her niece Pam(Harry), nephews Kenny (Paulina) and Jamie (Colleen) and many more nieces and nephews, along withher dear friends June and Dorothy.
She is pre deceased by her mother and father, sisters Joyce and Lillian, husband Robert and son-in- law Fred.
During the 2 nd WW, as a young teen, Claire travelled to Halifax for medical reasons, to be with family and finish school. She later married in 1949 and began her future as a military wife. By 1954, after living in Quebec, she had her 3 children and the family returned to Nova Scotia. In 1964 she pursued a long working career outside the home; her most memorable employment was at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax. However the most challenging part of her life at that time was to care for her 3 teenage children and her husband who was injured in a severe car accident. Life took them to Ontario and later, in1980, to Cape Breton to be closer to her daughter and family.
Here Claire enjoyed crafting and perfecting the art of floral design. She was a member of the Crafters of Cape Breton and participated in many craft shows over the years. She also shared her creative talent with co-workers June and Joyce in operating a small business in restoring treasures and collectibles for sale at a local market. They delighted in their finds, the travel and the many friends they made through their adventures. There was always time for family gatherings and when relatives would visit; especially when she and her sisters got together, it was a special time.
Tradition was important and she loved to celebrate all occasions. She loved to travel and with family she went to Europe, Memphis, and even at 85to New York City. She loved music, was a huge country and western fan, and of course, all things Elvis. Claire loved beautiful things and her home reflected her unique ability to decorate.
In her later years Claire faced many challenges with her health including fighting cancer and multiplesurgeries. In 2019 she left the home she loved and moved to Halifax to reside with Linda and Dave andto be closer to family. Here she enjoyed the times spent with her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and especially with Tammy and her family.
For the last three years Claire resided at theAdmiral LTC, where she received the care she needed, along with the continued love and support offamily. Visits from family, the rapport she had with the staff, and sharing stories was constant in her dailyroutine.
Special thanks to the support she received through the past nine years from the VON, Northwood Home Care, CB Regional and Dartmouth General, her doctors Leighton and Addie, and the staff at the Admiral.
Her arrangements are under the direction of the Dartmouth Funeral Home, where her funeral service will be held in late spring, the date TBA, followed by an interment at Hardwood Hill in Sydney.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VON or the Canadian Cancer Society.
