Loretta Carol Clarke

Peacefully on 9 November 2022 following a brave battle with cancer it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Loretta at the age of 77. Loretta will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her friends and family. Loretta is survived by her children Sandra (Dennis) Watson, Lorraine (Tyson) Kaus, Catherine (Richie) Plett and grandchildren Rachael, Rob, Anthony, Alexa, Ike, Glory, Jack and Gina. Loretta is predeceased by parents, Emil (Duke) and Alice Lindal, her siblings, Lloyd, Bernice, Kenny and Joan, and her beloved daughter, Terri Lee Dowhy.

Born in 1945 in The Pas, MB, Loretta was always an excellent student who was passionate about her studies. She aspired to earn a university education and to see more of the world. In high school she participated in the Model UN which strengthened her global perspective and her interest in world politics. She earned a Bachelor of Science (1966) and a Certificate of Education (1967) at the University of Manitoba. After graduation Loretta taught school in Melita, MB. When the opportunity to start a business in northern Manitoba presented itself, Loretta and her husband took a leap, moved to Lynn Lake and opened Clarke’s Pharmacy. Loretta thrived in Lynn Lake, where she lived until 1985 with her family. Her passion for the people in the community inspired her to join/lead many committees and clubs including the United-Anglican Church Board, Playschool Association, Kinette Club, Recreational Board, Figure/Power Skating Club, Arts Festival Association, Cultural Council, Hospital Board, and the Canadian Figure Skating Association. While running a business, raising a family and volunteering in the community, Loretta also earned her private pilot’s license. In 1985 Loretta and her family moved to Thompson, MB where she ran City Centre Pharmacy before making a career change that led to many exciting and challenging work and volunteer opportunities. In this new chapter in her life, she studied for her CMA, and became involved in Thompson Playhouse, Mystery Country International, Tourism North of ’53, Tourism Industry of Manitoba, Thompson Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, and the Manitoba Winter Games Committee.

Her stellar reputation and work ethic opened doors to careers including Licensing Director for FBOW Enterprises Ltd. (For Better or For Worse – Lynn Johnston, Cartoonist), Marketing and Advertising Manager for Calm Air International, Inc., Special Assistant to the Minister of Northern Affairs, General Manager of The Communities Economic Development Fund, Assistant Deputy Minister of the MB Department of Northern Affairs, and Managing Partner/Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development Corporation of MB Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism. For 24 years Loretta was involved with SKAL International. SKAL was a great passion of hers and she loved the travel and the friendships that were formed. In 2000, Loretta started her own business consulting service and enjoyed working with small businesses in Manitoba.

Loretta’s biggest joy was her family. Her love for her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and countless others was most important to her. Family always came first; she would do anything to make time for, help, and share in important moments with her family. When her mother, Alice, needed more care, she welcomed her into her home and became her full-time care-giver until her mom went into a nursing home. Loretta continued to visit her mom in the nursing home twice daily and spent (almost) every lunch and dinner/evening with her until her mom passed away at the age of 101.

Loretta was passionate about making people happy and loved hosting dinner parties. She was a tremendous cook and loved to entertain and use spices and recipes she discovered during her many world travels to places like Turkey, Italy, Spain, Chile, and Japan. Loretta loved to play the piano and was a talented seamstress. She did everything with her whole heart. She made friendships that lasted a lifetime and touched the lives of people each and every day whether they were long-time friends or passing strangers. Loretta had room for everyone in her heart. Throughout her life, Loretta found strength in her faith, which brought her much comfort in difficult times and helped her to always find a reason to smile, even on her most difficult days.

Loretta’s family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Riverview Health Centre who provided Loretta with the compassionate care that helped carry her through her final earthly journey.

A funeral service will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home at 1291 McGillivray Blvd, at 10 AM on Friday, November 18, 2022. Interment at 12 PM. For those who cannot attend but would like to celebrate Loretta’s life with her friends and family, please use the following link: https://youtu.be/0pk4QRaxWOY

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Clarke family.