Clare Frances Dashney

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Clare Dashney (nee Power) on June 5, 2026. Clare is predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas James Dashney, her dear children Kevin and Jimmy, and her brothers Doug (late Sheila), Denis (late Louise), Tommy and Stephen. She is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Nancy, daughter-in-law Suzanne, and grandchildren: Mark, Thomas (Emma), Marisa, Joseph and Adam. Clare will be missed by her surviving brothers and sisters-in-law: Jim (Anne), Frank (Pat), Roger, John (Fran) and Ray (Cathy).

Clare was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 14, 1933. Her parents, Frank Power and Edith Donahoe were both native Nova Scotians. Clare was the second of ten children, the only girl. Her life-long love for children may have been due to her experiences with so many younger siblings.

In 1950 the Power family relocated to Ottawa, where Clare met and married the love of her life Jim Dashney in 1955. Clare had begun a secretarial career but decided to remain at home to raise their family. Jim’s career with the Royal Bank transferred their family from Ottawa to Montreal to Prescott and finally Oakville. Later, retirement and family ties brought them to Kanata and Whitby.

Jim and Clare were devoted to their family, and the Catholic Church. Clare was the sacristan at St. Dominic Church in Oakville for many years, where she was an active member and leader of many ministries and committees. Clare volunteered for a number of causes close to her heart: Birthright, Meals on Wheels and the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. She served God by serving others.

Clare never met a baby she didn’t love. She always stopped to meet babies and their moms in restaurants, at church or on the sidewalk. Clare was always active: playing golf, travelling, or hosting dinner parties. She loved decorating, quilting, and scrapbooking. We will miss her delicious meals, her baking (especially pies), but mostly we will miss her conversation. She was greatly loved by family and friends.

Friends and family may visit at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road (at Albion Road) Ottawa, Ontario, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Basil’s Church, 940 Rex Avenue, Ottawa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Birthright Ottawa, Canadian Food for Children, St. Basil’s Church.