Clarabell McLaughlin

CLARABELL McLAUGHLIN (Nee Chin) - Known as 'Clara' and 'China', 90 years of age resident of Johnstown, Ontario - formally long term resident of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully in her sleep 27 April 2014 at her home in Johnstown, Ontario.

Widowed in 2012, Clara was a loving wife of 65 years to husband Ernesto McLaughlin.

Born 26 November 1923, in Clarendon, Jamaica, daughter of Estella Horn and John Chin. Clara is predeceased by her brothers Kenneth (Yat Ying) and Lincoln (Cynthia) and survived by siblings, Ruby (William), Linette (David), David (Caroline), Daphne (Larry), Roy, Charles, Dudley (Cherry), Dawn (Carlton), Audrey (Deryck) and Tom (Laverne).

Special Mother to Renaldo (Katuma), Claudette (David) and Andrew (Rachel).

Special Grandmother to David Jnr, Lee, Siann, Lynnette, Andrew Jnr and Vanessa.

Special Great Grandmother to Chase and Rylyn.

Clarabell worked in 'The Biscuit Factory' in Kingston, Jamaica before emigrating to England in 1952 with Ernesto, Claudette and Renaldo. During her early years in England as a homemaker, Clara developed her skills as a seamstress in support of her family, both at home in England and abroad in Jamaica.

1974 saw Clara, Ernesto and Andrew emigrating to Canada and settling in London, Ontario. Clara kept up her sewing skills but soon joined the University of Western Ontario, Hospitality Services in 1974, retiring from the UWO in December 1985.

Clara enjoyed her retirement years but she loved her grand and great grandchildren more. Plenty of good food in excess at family gatherings was her gift to all and anyone entering her kitchen.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, 17th May, 2014 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland, Ontario, K0E 1P0 - 613 348 3405 (1 888 648 3405) with a memorial service commencing at 1:00 pm in the chapel. Refreshments to follow in the reception centre.

For personal condolence messages please visit www.irvinememorial.com. Internment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Brockville Alzheimer's Society or the Brockville Palliative Care unit of Brockville General Hospital.