July 10, 1930 - October 18, 2018
Claire Rita Pariseau Brown passed away peacefully in Chilliwack, BC on October 18, 2018 at the age of 88, surrounded by much love and family. She will be greatly missed by her devoted husband of 62 years Keith Brown, her daughters Colleen Johnson and Nancy Venhola (Randall) and grandchildren Kelsey (Florian), Chrissy (Aaron), Brett, Tyrone and Lauren. Pre-deceased by her mother Alda Cote- Pariseau, all six of her siblings and her son-in-law Wayne R. Johnson. Claire leaves to mourn her many nieces & nephews across Canada especially in the Ottawa, Gatineau & Montreal areas as well as her lovely cousin Renee & good friend Tammy.
Claire was born July 10, 1930 in Edmonton but raised in Donelly, Alberta by her mother. When Claire was 19, she moved across the country to Quebec City, where she worked as an Operator for the new Bell Telephone Co. As a brave young woman seeking more excitement, she became a Red Cross Nurse, flying around northern Alberta, BC, the Yukon and NWT setting up blood donation clinics in small isolated communities. Impressive for a young woman in the early 1950's! Claire met the love of her life, Keith, a young RCMP Mountie in Whitehorse, Yukon and they married soon afterwards in 1956, were posted to Toronto and settled down to raise their family.
Claire was a devoted wife, mother and a doting grandmother. She was the 'Queen of Creativity' and everything she touched became beautiful, including sewing, needlework, quilting and every kind of craft. So much so, in 1973 she proudly opened her own business in Toronto aptly named 'Claire's Craft's. Upon retirement, they moved first to Victoria BC in 1982 and then moved to Chilliwack, BC in 1992. Claire was never happier than when she entertained and was a supreme hostess, chef and baker becoming well known as the 'Hot Pepper Jelly Lady'. Ever the social butterfly, Claire enthusiastically took up golfing, square dancing, bowling and attended the gym well into her late '70's and made many friends. She enjoyed several cruises with Keith to Mexico and Alaska as well as numerous trips back east to visit family. One of her favourite adventures was a 'girls trip' to Paris, France with her 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters; something she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. We're so happy she made it there for her 81st birthday and she loved every minute of it!
The last few years were challenging, health wise, for Mom. We wish to thank Dr. Ross and the staff at Cascades Lodge in Chilliwack, especially Michelle, for your gentle kindness and compassionate care of our Mom.
There will not be a Service at this time. Please support the Chilliwack Hospice Society, if desired, by donation in Claire's name.
'At last, may you be at peace Maman'.