Clara May Russell

With love in our hearts and sadness in our souls, we share that our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Clara “Clare” or “Coocoo” Russell, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025 at North York General Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was the proud mother of seven children and their spouses: Carol (Carey), Charmaine (Donnavan), Christine (Lancelot), Carlton (Angie), Deon, Geraldine and Desmond (Nargis). She was a caring big sister to Ferlena and Margarett, and she dearly loved her niece and two nephews, 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Clara is now reunited in heaven with her parents, Mae and Adolphus, and her brother, Ferdinand.

Clara was born in Jamaica and later made Canada her home, where she gave her life to God and embraced her Christian faith. She had an impeccable sense of style and a love for bright, sunny yellow, a colour that reflected her warmth, joy and the Jamaican sun. She had a gift for making everyone feel special, whether through her warm hugs, endless jokes, or her famous black cake. Her family was her greatest joy, and her love for them was boundless.

We thank God for her life and feel blessed that He lent her to us for 78 years. We are grateful for every precious moment we shared with her before the Lord welcomed her home.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, Thornhill, followed by the funeral service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Beechwood Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join the family for a repast at La Primavera at 3:00 p.m.

To honour Clara’s vibrant spirit, the family will be wearing colourful attire, with her favourite colour, yellow, holding a special place. We invite all guests to join us in wearing bright colours as we celebrate her life.

Flowers are welcome, and donations in Clara’s memory may also be made through this link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QWAEALLT4RS8C

If you’re not able to attend the funeral service in person, you can attend through this livestream link at 11:30am https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/114129