Clara May Elizabeth Candido

CLARA MAY ELIZABETH (COUGHLIN) CANDIDO February 22, 1919 – March 19, 2019 It is with sadness that we bid farewell to our much-loved Auntie Clara who has passed away shortly after celebrating her 100th birthday. We can only take solace in that after a long and fully-lived life she is now reunited with her beloved husband Harry and their son Bruce. Clara was born on February 22, 1919 in Sellars, Ontario. Her mother died when Clara was eleven, so she worked hard to help take care of her younger siblings and the family home. She met Harry (Enrico) Candido, the love of her life, when they were both working in the restaurant business (which they continued to be involved with over the years); they married on October 31, 1942 and adopted their son Bruce in 1948. Clara and Harry loved to travel, making several trips to Europe and other destinations. Clara was always happiest when entertaining or visiting with family or taking part in activities with her many friends. People enjoyed spending time and chatting with her, experiencing her “joie de vivre”, her kindness and concern for others. She loved owls, angels, and flowers, and we all did our best to support those loves. Playing snooker, a serious game of bingo, line dancing, visiting Graceland or Hawaii, – you name it, she enjoyed it. She was our repository of family memories and regaled us with many stories over the years. Clara was predeceased by her mother Lillian and father Lyman Coughlin, son Bruce in 1980, husband Harry in 1983, her sister Isabell (2005), her brother Frank (1998), and her brother Leslie (2009), her nephews Lyman “Bud” and David “Butch”, as well as her sister-in-law Millie and brothers-in-law Walter and Frank. She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her sister-in-law Verna Coughlin, nieces and nephews Cheryl (Lorne), Donna (Wilf), Craig (Debbie), Leanne (Brian), Warren (Sarah), Gary (Valerie) and their families which include many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews; and the Candido family. She will be especially missed by her nephew Les, wife Shannon, and great-nephew Blaine (Vanessa) Coughlin; nephew Richard Coughlin, wife Suzanne and great-niece Stephanie; and niece Bonnie Hoffman, partner Erling, and great-niece Jennifer. She will also be missed by her dear friends and neighbours at the Fort Rouge Ecumenical Seniors complex where she enjoyed living and being very active for over 20 years. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff at Luther Home who took such good care of Auntie Clara during her final six months. She was delighted with the lovely Happy 100th Birthday party held at Luther Home for her just a few weeks ago, and pleased to see her name on the plaque commemorating her membership in their special 100 year old club. She greatly appreciated all the friends and family who came to celebrate or sent warm wishes, and all the letters and certificates from many dignitaries. At Clara’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal funeral service. Interment will take place in Kenora, Ontario at a later date, she will be laid to rest beside her husband Harry. If desired, donations may be made in memory of Clara to Siloam Mission, a charity she long supported. Bon Voyage, Auntie Clara! May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.