Clara Almeda McCullough

On June 10, 2025, Clara Almeda McCullough (Sabean), 93, South Range, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side at her home away from home in Hammonds Plains since 2018. Clara was the daughter of the late Dorothy (Haight) and Ira Sabean.

Clara is survived by her daughter Paula Crouse, her sisters-in-law Lennie McCullough, Wynona Naugler, and Freta Trimper and brother-in law Vernon McCullough. She was honoured to be Aunt/Auntie Clara to so many precious nieces and nephews and often to their friends, too.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband Elton 20 years ago, and after 13 years alone, spent time with her daughter, travelling back and forth to her homestead.

Clara was a homemaker and enjoyed hours of making quilts—every stitch by hand except for the borders—and braiding mats, using just the right combination of rags and the hems cut from our dresses and pants. Her pantry was filled with homemade bread and molasses cookies for anyone who might stop in. If you were there at 4 p.m., you were then expected to be there for supper, and she was happy to have you at her table. A cat was always part of the family.

Clara was a member of the South Range Christian Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She served many years as the Secretary-Treasurer of the South Range Cemetery. In earlier years she worked in the Sabean General Store, established by her brother Don and then later run by her brother Lloyd. She tells of getting a raise from 25 cents per hour to the high rate of two dollars. Family was very important in her life, and she took pleasure in writing long letters and sharing genealogy.

Clara was a great conversationalist, and during her last few years with homecare visits, she aptly displayed that skill, not wanting anyone to get bored from too much quiet. A special thank you to Northwood staff who spent time trying to ease her pain and brightening her days, which often included a game of Sequence.

Clara was the youngest child in a family of eight, all of whom are deceased: Dora (Gilbert) Marshall, Kenneth (Susie) Sabean, Frederick (Vivian) Sabean, Gertrude (Forest) Hill, Hubert (Ida) Sabean, Lloyd (Mildred) Sabean, and Donald (Marion) Sabean.

Clara was predeceased by brothers-in-law and spouses Herbert (Helen), Ralph (Florence), Freeman in Italy in WWII, Willis, Keith (Gloria), Gordon, Basil and sisters-in-law and spouses Mildred (Walter) Rice, Armina (Gilbert) Ingersoll, Ruby (Fred) Naugler, Lennie (Earle) Marshall, Phyllis (Walton, Donald), Raymond Rice, Donald Trimper and Archie Naugler.

Visitation will be Sunday 3 – 6 p.m., Jayne’s Funeral Home, 15 Birch Street, Digby. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, South Range Christian Church with Mr. Josh Stevenson officiating. Interment in South Range Cemetery with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clara’s memory to the South Range Cemetery Fund, South Range Christian Church or the Arthritis Society, www.arthritis.ca