Claire Kathleen Ball

CLAIRE KATHLEEN BALL (nee THOMSON) passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital on July 31, 2025, in her 100th year. Survived by her four children, James (Candace), Michael (Carole), Ian (Carolyn) and Tracey (Keith). Predeceased by her husband Richard and her sister Martha Grandelius. Proud grandmother to her ten grandchildren - Natasha, Christian, Rebecca, Jason (Lucy), Jeremy, Griffin, Breah, Keira, Weston and Tiana - who were a constant source of love and joy for her.

Born in 1926 in Orillia, Ontario, Claire spent most of her childhood in Canton near Port Hope. She attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947. She was a longtime resident of Richmond Hill, Ontario where she raised her family and was active in the community through numerous volunteer activities. Claire was also an accomplished and prolific artist, although in keeping with her humble personality, and contrary to all the compliments, she wrongly thought she was not especially good at it. Claire spent her later years at the Delmanor retirement residence in North York where she enjoyed her many friends and social activities.

Claire will be remembered as exceptional in all her roles, especially as mother, grandmother and friend. She was immensely practical and forward-thinking, embracing 99 years of change with ease and accepting others without judgment. She exhibited a tremendous, quiet resilience that allowed her to tackle life’s challenges, including two cancer diagnoses, with remarkable strength and positivity. She was kind, generous and grateful, regardless of her circumstances.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Sunnybrook Palliative Care unit for the exceptional care and concern they provided to Claire in her final weeks. They are truly a remarkable group of people.

Claire will be laid to rest alongside Richard at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in the coming days. Her only final wish was to be remembered fondly without any fuss.