It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Claire Winifred Kinnis. At the age of 85, in Chilliwack, B.C. and struggling with cancer Claire left us on January 30, 2011 with her dear friend Helen and Brenda from the Hospice Society at her side. While it was a great struggle for Claire she always maintained a positive attitude and left us with a smile on her face.
Claire was predeceased by her parents, George Johnstone and Mary Winifred Kinnis. Claire’s brother Arthur Kinnis of Victoria, B.C. also left us on January 20, 2011 to be there for his sister.
Claire is survived by her sister-in-law Betty of Victoria, brother Bill (Gladys) of Montreal, niece Mary Anne (Wayne Ladner), nephew Rick (Jeanne), nephew Ralph (Ruth), nephew Jack (Karen), niece Rosemary, nephew Paul, nephew Chris (Monica)and nephew Stephen. She has also left behind many great nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews all who loved her very much.
Claire has also left behind many great friends that have enjoyed her company on the golf course or at the bridge table. Claire was an avid and good golfer as the Ladies Club Championship trophy at the McLeery Golf Course will show. Claire participated in many tournaments throughout the province.
Claire was born and raised until the age of 15 years in Trail, B.C. at which time she, her Mother and brother Bill moved to Vancouver. Claire was a 1948 graduate of the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing at which time she first went to work in Bermuda, then at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and then to Los Angeles, California. She then went back to University and after completing her studies became a research assistant in children’s health care facilities (Vancouver), fetal alcohol syndrome and children’s blindness studies.
Claire will be missed by all of us on the golf course and at family events but knowing that her spirit will always be with us will help to make her absence a little more tolerable. Thank you for being such an important part of our lives Claire.
Grateful thanks for the compassionate and loving care of Dr. Bevan Voth and the Crossroads Family Practise staff, the Homecare Nursing staff, the Homecare Support staff and the Hospice Society Vigil volunteers.
By request there will not be a service at this time but a celebration of Claire’s life will take place in May.
In Claire’s honour memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.