Eileen Clare Harwood

Eileen Clare Harwood (Claire) passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, at her home in Calgary at the age of 80. Claire is survived by her loving sister Mary and brother Stephen (Veronica); stepson Charles (Karen); nephews Sean (Bronwen) and Chris (Nicole); nieces Julia (Sean) and Lucy; grandchildren Charles (Devynn) and Alysia (Garrett); great grandchildren Watson and Hannah; great nephews Aedan, Iain, and Sebastian; great nieces Liliana, Wynn and Emily.

Claire was born and raised in Lancashire, England where she did her nursing and midwifery training. In 1968 she came to Canada to join her sister. Claire worked for two years at Vancouver General Hospital, Heather Pavillion before travelling north to join the Fort St. John General Hospital. She worked on the maternity ward and later became the Head Nurse of the maternity department. Claire worked there for 44 years delivering thousands of babies before she retired and moved to Calgary to be closer to her sister.

In Fort St. John Claire was an avid supporter of the Hospital Foundation where she organized and worked in the gardens on the hospital grounds. She had many friends and hosted many parties at her beautiful house. She loved to cook and entertain. She was a very well-respected figure.

Claire found it challenging to move to Calgary without knowing anyone, but joining a ladies coffee club helped her adjust. Soon she had her friends Betty R, Adele, Joan and Betty C, later to be joined by Heena, Mary and Donna. She enjoyed going to the theater, movies, parks, lunches and suppers with her friends.

Claire was very generous with her time and her heart, always the first phone call to be made when times were tough. She will be remembered for her compassion and loyalty.

A true friend, Claire catered to the specific whims of her guests, in both food and drink. Solid and loving to the very end, may she rest in peace.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their support and friendship during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the Spring.

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” - Inuit Proverb

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” - Ronald Reagan