Irene Frances Clark

Clark, Irene Frances - 55, of Halifax, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017 in the Palliative Care Unit of the VG Hospital. She was the daughter of Jean (Conrad) Clark and the late Ira Douglas Clark. Her early school years were spent at St. Joseph’s Elementary/Jr High and she graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1980. She completed a BA from St. Mary’s University. Irene's career included jobs in sales, accounting, and management while at St. Clair Paint and Wallpaper, Glubes, W & A Moir, Goode's Stationary, Corporate Express, and Staples. After leaving management positions she trained for a career as a CCA, and worked at Northwood Manor. Irene chose to retire early to become the primary caregiver of her Mom, which led to travel, camping trips, concerts, picnics, and planning wonderful weekends for Mom and the girls. Irene had also been the primary caregiver for her maternal Grandmother. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish until it’s closure in 2006. Irene then attended St.Brendan’s, St. Mark’s, and St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata Parish (the former St. Stephen’s). During that time she volunteered her services in many areas, including the parish council, CWL, ACW, the food bank, and music ministry where she played guitar and led the choir or congregation in song. She also played a role in the Archdiocese’s Music Camp at Camp Villa Maria, Herman’s Island. Irene was an avid cyclist, kayaker, and a self-taught home and car improvement specialist. She was known by many as a huge Ann Murray fan. Irene is survived by her mother, Jean Clark; brother, Joe Clark; sisters, Rita (Jim) Oxner, Christine Clark (Elizabeth Hamilton), AnnMarie (Dave) Holt, Janet Slaunwhite (Simon Holmes); nieces and nephews, Adam Oxner (Amanda), Robert Oxner (Lara), David Oxner (Tracy), Caitlin Holt, Timothy Holt, Connor Slaunwhite, and Kyle Slaunwhite. Predeceased by her father, maternal grandparents - Charles Conrad and Grace (Churchill) Conrad, paternal grandparents - Sheldon Clark and Reta (Swinamer Clark) MacDonald and step-grandfather - Carl MacDonald; niece, Amy Jean Holt, and her mother's long-time companion, Gerald MacDonald. She will be sorely missed by many, including her best friends, Carolyn Kelly and Cathy Rafters. Special thanks to Bayshore personal care workers, staff of The Berkeley, Green St. and the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their compassion, care, and support. Heartfelt appreciation goes to all those who visited and prayed for Irene during her illness. Cremation is under the direction of A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 24th, 11 a.m. at St. Mother Teresa Kolkata Parish, 6032 Normandy Drive, Halifax. Donations in Irene’s memory can be made to your local food bank or the Palliative Care Unit of the VG Hospital. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com