Clare McDade

Clare McDade, 95, of Halifax, passed away on December 11, 2017, at Whitehills Long Term Care Facility, with her loving daughters by her side. Clare was born in Leigh, Lancashire, England, on January 8, 1922, the daughter of Sam and Isobel Dickinson.

She trained at Booth Hall Children’s Hospital near Manchester, England, and later nursed evacuees in Blackpool. She met Doug who was serving in England in the RCAF during WWII and they were later married on July 31st, 1944 in London. Subsequently, Clare arrived in Canada in 1946 through Pier 21 as a War Bride. The family lived in Parrsboro for many years, moved to Sydney, and in 1972, settled in Halifax.

Clare was secretary in the IWK Volunteer Service Department for 15 years and a volunteer for 34 years. She was also a member of the IWK Auxiliary, Kermesse volunteer and a volunteer for the weekly Family Teas for parents and visitors. She also enjoyed her time as a member and secretary of the Halifax-Dartmouth and Area War Brides Association.

Clare always looked forward to family times spent together for holidays and other celebrations. She was an excellent cook and no recipe was too daunting for her to try. She was well known among her family and friends for her English trifle, lemon cheese, light fruitcake, squares and gravy! Mom was also a skilled knitter. The beautiful hand knit sweaters made lovingly for her grandsons are still treasured today. Her knitted dish clothes have also been distributed far and wide.

Clare is survived by daughters, Susan Wetmore (Gord), Debbie Stover (Jeff Schelew); beloved grandsons, Leigh Wetmore (Jan), Luke Stover (Katherine Wilson); great grandchildren, Jack and Emily Wetmore, all of Halifax; sister, Mary Dickinson of England; brothers-in-law, Eric, Gerald (Eudora) of Truro, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Doug in 2005, and sisters, Josephine and Pauline.

Mom has lived with Alzheimers for the last few years, but we have been blessed to have experienced this “long good-bye” and looked forward to our daily visits. We would always be greeted with a smile and a knowing look.

Clare will be sadly missed by her daughters and grandsons (“My Boys”) who loved her deeply. She will be remembered for her strength of character, generosity of spirit, sense of humour, sharp wit, and the unconditional love she gave to her family and her friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Whitehills who have kept mom comfortable and content over the last seven years.

Cremation has taken place. The family will gather in Parrsboro on a sunny summer day in 2018 to celebrate Mom’s life and lay her to rest beside her beloved Doug. In lieu of flowers, donations, if desired, may be made to the IWK Auxiliary, Room 2088A, University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8 or charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

“Pray for me, and I shall for you and all your friends that we may merrily meet in heaven.” St. Thomas More’s last letter to his daughter, Meg.