Claire Stordy

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Stan, her siblings Linda (Patrick) Susan, and Mike (Jane), her children Cleve (Kim), Andrew, Susan (Andy), her grandchildren, Cleveland, Morgan, Owen, Stefanie, Benjamin and Harry, and her great granddaughter Amelia.

Born in Winnipeg in 1934, Claire was the eldest of four siblings, being a loving big sister and making sure that all remained close, despite living in various places across the globe.

Claire made friends wherever she went. All people, young and old, were drawn to her infectious smile, sense of humour, generosity of spirit and genuine interest. She maintained friendships with people throughout all of the stages of life and various endeavours, until the end of her days.

Claire spent her childhood in Winnipeg, and after a year at the University of Winnipeg, transferred to McGill to pursue a degree in Occupational and Physical Therapy.

On a Fall day in 1951, Claire met the man who would be her most treasured companion and her true North Star, Stan. They were wed in 1956 in Westfield, New Brunswick, and developed an unbreakable bond throughout their marriage of 66 years. They were the apple of each other’s eyes.

They both worked in Montreal, Claire as a physiotherapist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and Stan as a medical resident. After Cleve and Andrew were born, they moved to Vancouver where Susan was born, and where Stan established his medical practice. Her parents followed her out West and life was rich with close relationships from both Claire and Stan’s sides of the family.

Never one to sit still, Claire immersed herself in volunteer activities as a docent at the Vancouver Art Gallery and the UBC Botanical Garden where she was a proud “FOG” (Friend of the Garden), in activities such as playing tennis, skiing and bridge, frequent trips to Maui in the winter and annual extended stays at “The Alders” on Vancouver Island. Again, Claire developed lasting friendships everywhere she left. A priority was always, without exception, preparing delicious meals in a beautiful, well cared for home and garden for her husband and children, friends and family. She was a loving mother and grandmother, who never forgot a birthday, and always had time to connect and catch up.

In mid life, Claire and Stan built their cabin next to “The Alders”, and it was here that Claire was, quite simply, her very happiest. Every summer, she would indulge her creative interests in her exquisite garden, her meals, reading, ocean swims, crosswords and enjoying extended visits with her growing family. An image of their mom and dad sitting in Adirondack chairs, gazing out at the beautiful Strait of Georgia, is an endearing and enduring one for their children and grandchildren.

For the last ten years, Claire lived with dementia. She spent the last seven years of her life at South Granville Park Lodge. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the kind, caring, loving attention she received from the Staff there, who delighted in her constant smile and warm energy. They became her last group of friends. We are so grateful to these beautiful people who helped care for Claire when we no longer could.

She fought hard to stay in this world, which is fitting, as she never, ever wanted to leave a party. She was a treasure and we will miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.