Born in Cochrane, Ontario on July 6, 1931 – passed away on September 18, 2021, at the age of 90.
Predeceased by her parents, her first husband John Holmes in 1990 and her second husband John Tomczak in 2017.
Claire is survived by her brother Aurele, nephew Pierre, niece Marie-Josee (Richard), stepchildren Linda (Robin), Mike (Joan), Kim (Lisa), Tia (Bob) and Kerry, eight step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren.
Claire was very active in the Sacred Heart Church, the Anawim Companion Society and, with John Tomczak, volunteering at Victoria Hospice over many years. Claire created Claire’s Fund, a permanent fund at the Victoria Foundation which supports her favourite charities.
Claire and John Tomczak were made Life Members of Victoria Hospice to honour and recognize their long-term commitment and involvement.
Claire was an avid traveller and very much enjoyed keeping up with her relatives across Canada. She was super organized and detailed as well – lifelong traits she acquired from working as the Budget Director with the University of Ottawa.
The Family would like to give a huge shout out to the staff at the Kiwanis Pavilion who cared for Claire over the last 9 months – they were fantastic and very caring.
A Funeral Mass for Claire will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Sacred Heart Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria, BC. Please, no Flowers. Donations may be made in Claire’s name to the Anawim Companion Society, St Vincent de Paul or Victoria Hospice.
Condolences to the family may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Renee Bauert
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Father William Hann Thank you Claire for your legacy of love and witness to love God and neighbour. The world is a better place because of you.
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Joelle Labrecque My sympathy to all the family. Claire was my mom’s cousin and she was such a great person.
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Ray & Pauline Whissell So sad, I’ll never forget her visit in Ottawa. I took her out for lunch. She wanted to eat at the Rideau Center because it was close to Ottawa U. She had a presentation there that afternoon. Great person with an amazing personality. Proud we were cousins. She will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to everyone who knew and loved her.
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Robert Whissell My sympathy to the family. She was a great cousin and a great person. Always a smile and a beautiful attitude on life. She will be missed!
My sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to Claire’s family. I got to know Claire through the Victoria Hospice walking groups and the bereavement social support group that she and John T. shepherded for so many years. How very lucky anyone who got to know Claire is! Claire was a shining example of grace, generosity, and kindness all combined with a lovely sense of humour. I will miss you!!