Clara Chartrand

Clara Cecile Chartrand (nee Campbell) passed away peacefully with her family at her side, Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, at the age of 86 years. Clara was born Saturday, May 3, 1924 in The Pas, Manitoba to Mary and Joseph Campbell. She was one of thirteen children. Clara met and married Stanley Chartrand, they lived a happy life together of over 45 years raising six children in Cranberry Portage. In 1966 Clara and Stanley moved their family to The Pas where they watched their family grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clara was a very hard worker and she held several jobs in The Pas. She worked at the Cambrian Hotel, Dutch Drive Inn, River Saw Mills (Tolko) and MBCI, where she retired from. Clara was very family oriented. She loved all her kids dearly. She took great pride in her grandchildren and always looked forward to visits from all the great-grandchildren. Clara had a great sense of humour, was a hard worker and nurturing person. Clara was always a caregiver with her home remedies; she loved to listen to music, dance and was an excellent homemaker. She loved to cook and never measured a thing! The last two years of Clara’s life she resided at St. Paul Personal Care home. She enjoyed getting together with her friends at St. Paul’s to play bingo and was always proud to show off her winnings. She enjoyed her visitors immensely and her frequent family outings. Over the years with loss of loved ones and ailing health, Clara’s strong catholic faith carried her through. She prayed every night with her rosaries in her hand. Clara was a strong, caring and loving person and will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Grandma will live on in all her family hearts. Clara is survived by sons, Keith (Bev) Chartrand and their children Keith Jr., Fabian, Monica and May; Wayne (Linda) and their children Lisa, Marcie and Shawn; Donnie (Michele) and their daughter Denise; Dennis Fiddler, Wilfred Fiddler; daughter Fay (Brian) and their children Brian Jr., Jennifer and Joanne; sons-in-law John Cheropita and his children Sherrie, Debra and Pam; Kelvin Guay and his children Kelvin Jr. and Chad; special niece May Blake; brother “Mickey” Edward Richards and numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Clara was predeceased by her husband Stanley; parents Mary and Joseph Campbell; step dad, Alex Richards; daughters Sharon, Debbie and Doreen; son Arthur; grandson: Donnie Chartrand Jr.; brothers Chuck, Renee, Emile; sisters Grace, Josephine, Melvina. A Christian wake service was held Monday, April 11th, at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas. Mass of Christian burial for Clara was held Tuesday, April 12th, 2:00 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, with Rev. Paul Bringleson presiding. Music ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg and nephew Lyle Thorne. Eulogy was given by granddaughter Jennifer Marin. Scripture readings were proclaimed by niece May Blake and nephew Lyle Thorne. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba. Pallbearers were Clara’s grandsons, Keith Chartrand Jr., Fabian Chartrand, Will Nicklefork, Shawn Chartrand, Kelvin Guay and Chad Guay. Honorary pallbearers were all Clara’s family, relatives and friends that have touched her life are to be considered honorary and very special. If friends so desire, donations to St. Paul’s Residence Equity Fund, c/o Activities, Box 240, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K4, would be appreciated by Clara’s family.