Grandma,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and your beautiful smile and radiance. I am so blessed to have had you in my life as I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for you and your love and encouragement. I will always cherish the many dinners we had at the White Spot, breakfasts at the Waffle House, and the sleepovers and shopping trips we had every summer. 
I only hope that one day I can be the mother/grandmother/mother in law/sister/friend etc. that you were. 
Grandma, you will always have a special place in my heart. I love you and miss you so much!

Love Traci

Claire was an amazing lady and will be missed greatly by all those who loved her..we are so sorry for your loss..the photo gallery is a beautiful tribute.
We are sad we missed the service..with love and condolences,
Sue and Doug Bidniak

Yesterday, we attended the service for a new found friend to a great many people, who met Claire, as we did, by moving into the Uptown.

We, like Claire, chose a suite (03) by number and often shared our mutual disappointment as to how small those suites were and from time to time made comments or grumbled a bit.  We recall meeting Gus down in the garage who was re-adjusting some of Claire's furniture in order to make it fit.  It was such a joy to have something in common with such a wonderful "lady".

Claire was, above and beyond anything else,a lady in the true sense of the word - even to the old adage that it was impolite to ask a lady her age.  These days as one gains a few more years of wisdom, it is something that   people are proud of - where as our dear Claire in her warm, wonderful and mischievous ways,kept that secret and her dear family continued to honor her in that way.  I imagine when we meet again the first thing some  people will ask is: "how old were you Claire, when you passed away"?  I am not sure she will answer.

To those of us who came to know Claire from our mutual move to the Uptown, we saw in Claire a "lady" in the truest sense of the word.  She chose her friends of which many of us became and she never spoke ill of anyone.  If you were her friend, so you remained, not to be discouraged by anyone who had not become a mutual friend.  She never allowed anyone else to influence her and more importantly she never had an unkind word to say about anyone- a legacy we should all try to live up to in her memory.

Claire was always happy when we visited her in the hospital and enjoyed her treat from Tim Horton's and the chocolate bars and puzzle books we bought for her as she was not a person to sit idly by.

She was so gracious and wanted to repay any small favor that people would do for her.  My sister, who met Claire at Tim Horton's one day, helped Claire and Claire was always so appreciative and nothing would do but she treated us to a coffee.

So many people wanted Claire to have coffee with them and it concerned some of us as to how she tried her best to make her way to morning coffee at two different venues - just so to not offend anyone.

Claire was an independent lady who asked so little - she was determined to remain and do for herself but always ready to help anyone she could.

Some of the single ladies in the building envied Claire's friendship with her dear friend Gus - cannot say that we blamed them.  He was such a fine gentleman and their friendship was so special.  Many a single or widowed lady would sit at home alone as Claire and Gus went to different places and would comment that they wish they had a warm and loving friendship with someone like Claire has.  The truth of the matter is that one has to be like Claire in mind, body and spirit to deserve the likes of Gus.  She was a "lady", always thoughtful, loving of others, helpful and never complained although at times she became somewhat frustrated that her mind was willing, but towards the end her body was just not up to the demands her spirit was making.  Claire deserved to have a Gus in her world and in turn Gus deserved Claire, she is irreplaceable.

To Claire's dear children and grandchildren, we, as her new found friends, mourn your loss.  We cannot imagine how each and everyone of you are feeling now and will for a long time. Each special day and event will come with a true void but you will always be graced with the memories of- "remember when".  Claire's birthday will be coming next month and you will recall her other birthdays  - remember them even though it might bring a tear or two as in remembering you will honor someone who will remain near and dear to you and as you continue to think of her a star in the heavens be it visual or behind clouds will twinkle just a bit brighter - that will be your beloved mom, grandmother and friend responding to your love.

I apologize for being so long winded but I had to say what I felt, it will be some time before I pass Tim Horton's and not look into the window to see if Claire is there to smile and wave at.

Claire, many of us that met you by moving into the Uptown were blessed with a wonderful gift, that gift being you!  God Bless you, you will be sorely missed.

Love from Sunny and Kenn

A great mother that will be sadly missed by all.One of the most friendly persons we have ever met.
We are sorry we could not attend the service and be with your family.The photo gallery is beautiful.
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Cindy and Les Malet-Veale

My Purple Grandma...I can't believe you're gone. I wish I could hear your voice and see your beautiful smile one more time. I treasure every moment we spent together, every conversation, every laugh, every touch. You always knew what to say to brighten my day. The bond we shared means the world to me, it is beyond words. You will be forever in my heart, not a day will go by that I won't think of you. Love you always xoxo

Dear Gary, Louise, Sarah and Ashley, we are so very sorry over the loss of your very dear mother/in law and grandmother. I know you were all so very close and her passing leaves such a hole in your lives. I know she was so special to you all. Blessings to you all and also to Gary's sister Donna and her family. Take good care, love Lorraine and Larry Depow and family xo xo

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Grandma Claire, such an amazing graceful lady with a gentle soul.  She will be missed deeply.  

My heart goes out to Donna, Gary, Louise, Roy, Gus and her beautiful grandchildren, and the countless people who loved her. 

I feel honored to have known and loved such a special woman, she will always be dear to my heart. 

With all my love and sincerest condolences, 

Denise Rossignol  (Louise's sister)

Donna, Gary and families. My mom and dad (Marge and Al Sibley) were friends with your parents for years. Your dad worked at Cranes with my dad. When mom and dad sold their home in Coquitlam they moved into the apartments at McBride where you all lived. I moved into the Uptown in December but never did get to see your mother. My best friend, Pam, also worked with Claire at St. Mary's for many years. I feel your loss as Mom passed away in March. May she rest in peace.

Donna, Gary and families,
Your Mom, my Great Auntie Claire was a very special person.  She will be missed by so many.  Her love and memories will keep her in our hearts forever.  So sorry I can't be there on Tuesday but both Bob and Becky will be.
Love to you all,
Sharon

OBITUARY

Claire Menzies

Henderson's Langley Funeral Home

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