Margaret Elna “Claire” Andrusiak was born Thursday, August 9, 1934, on Hecla Island, Manitoba. Claire was born to her Swedish father, Karl Grahn and her Canadian mother, Christine Austfjord. She grew up in Hnausa, Manitoba with her two brothers, Lou, Bud and her sister Shirley. Claire later moved to Winnipeg to continue her schooling and then continued on to Gimli, where she worked at the local fish packing plant. Claire then met and married Wilf Bjarnson and had her first daughter Lee. As time moved on and the marriage ended, Claire and daughter Lee moved to The Pas in 1957, to be with Claire’s parents. Claire’s father Karl was a commercial fisherman and a boat builder on Clearwater Lake. Her mother Christine worked as a healthcare provider at the Clearwater Lake Sanatorium. This move to The Pas, led to Claire’s career as a secretary and she began working for the director of the Sanatorium. A short time later, an up-and-coming young lawyer from Winnipeg named William Robert (Bill) Martin, arrived in The Pas. In 1959, Claire and Bill married. Claire’s career path changed further to now include, being a legal secretary as well as mother to three more children (Carrie, Spencer, and Michele). As time progressed, Claire’s career changed a little further when she assumed the role of Court Clerk at the local Court House and later Court Administrator and Magistrate. Claire enjoyed her career in the field of law. She was respectful and sensitive of people’s situations and always provided good service to clients and got along well with her coworkers. During her years in The Pas, Claire was an active volunteer with such organizations as The Pas Lionels, Trappers Festival, Music Festival and The Pas Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed many games of Bridge with friends, and had a good understanding of the strategy of the game. She didn’t like to miss any games of Bridge or Thursday night Whist. Claire had many passions in her life. One of these, was a great passion for politics. She enjoyed discussing current issues, always offering wisdom in how politics work. Claire had a love of cooking, she was an incredible cook and never left any of her family or friends hungry. Many of us have had the privilege of sharing in her various baked goods that were always made from “scratch”. Claire was an active curler in her early days. She loved to play the game and watched all the curling she possibly could on TV. As Claire’s life changed yet again, she and her three younger children relocated to Winnipeg to offer the kids further education. The move to Winnipeg then led to further work within the court system. After the arrival of Claire’s second grandchild, Holly (Adam having been the 1st), she returned to The Pas, suitcase in hand and moved in across the street from her daughter Lee and son-in-law Pat. Claire then began working at the Court House where it still stands today, until her date of retirement. After retirement, Claire moved to Flin Flon, MB and met and married Steve Andrusiak. Claire lived a very happy life in Flin Flon with two of her four children who lived close by, as well as her four grandchildren. With the passing of Steve, Claire returned to The Pas and took up residence at Valhalla where she lived with her friend and life partner, Ted Green. During her years at Valhalla, Claire was an active Bridge player, member of The Pas Health Complex Auxiliary, Golden Agers, and active volunteer wherever her help was needed. She enjoyed the residents’ company at Valhalla and the regular gatherings they had. Claire will always be remembered as a “lady”. She was prim, proper and honest. She taught her daughters and granddaughters the same. Claire was a provider and was always looking out for the best interest of those around her. She was a quiet, private person, yet had a wonderful sense of humour with those around her. She did not complain about anything, right up to her passing. She had strong values that she taught her children by the way she lived. She often used the word “humility” in discussions and conversation. She was strong willed and determined, yet gentle and kind when it was needed most. She loved her grandchildren dearly - always asking about them and what they were up to. Claire passed away peacefully, Friday, February 19, 2016, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, at the age of 81 years. Claire is survived by her two brothers: Lou and Bud; her four children, Lee Martin (John), Carrie Hume (Don), Spencer Martin (Linda), Michele Martin (Phil); 9 grandchildren, Adam Tavener, Holly Rousson (Rick), Aynsley Hume (Dustin), Kallia Martin, Nicholas Martin, Chris Cudmore, Daniel Cudmore (Chelsea), Jenny Cudmore; 3 great grandchildren, Tristan Tavener , Cooper Rousson, Emma Jackson; companion and family, Ted Green, Wendy (Mike) O’Neill, Anna and Bryn, Mary Lou Green. Claire was predeceased by her parents, Karl and Christine Grahn; sister Shirley Grahn; son-in-law Don Hume (who passed away the evening before Claire); and many dear friends over the years. In keeping with Claire’s wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate her life was held Thursday, March 3, 2016, 1:00 pm, at Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, Manitoba, with Rev. Dr. Rebecca Graham presiding. Music ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg. Eulogy was delivered by granddaughter Holly Rousson. Immediately following the service, a reception was held for family and friends at the Christ Church Parish Hall. If friends so desire, donations to The Pas Health Complex Hospital Auxiliary, Box 240, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K4, would be appreciated by Claire’s family.