Obituary of Catherine Claire Foreman

FOREMAN, CATHERINE "CLAIRE" - With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Catherine “Claire” Foreman (McIntyre) died on May 13th, 2016 in Sarnia, ON, after a short battle with cancer. She was 85 years young. Claire leaves behind her beloved husband, Richard “Dick”; her children Anne-Marie Rutherford (Larry), Richard (Joanne), Jamie (Karla), Lisa (Grant) and Krista (Chris); her grandchildren, Michael Smith (Josie), Melissa Hooey (Bob), Jonathan Kirby (Christine), Alana Timmers (Gerard), Kristina Bergeron (Mike), Danielle Ireland (Kevin), Katie Swain, and Jack Hammill, and ten cherished great grand-children. Claire was a sister to many, and had unbreakable bond with her sisters Marguerite (Stephenson) and the late Catherine (Piraine). Claire is preceded in death by her Aunt Jessie, who raised her from infancy, and her parents Thomas McIntyre and Mae Fleming. Known as Claire, she was born on March 11, 1931 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. She adored Cape Breton and was proud of her Scottish heritage. Claire loved a cool breeze on a warm sunny day, the ocean air, the taste of homemade jam and the touch of brand new white tea towels. Claire graduated at the top of her class from St. Anne’s High School in Glace Bay and from Truro Normal School. At the age of 60 she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Windsor. Claire was a devoted teacher for over 35 years and spent many a day instilling the love of learning in hundreds of young hearts and minds. It has been said that, “All you ever REALLY need to know was learned in kindergarten”. She knew this to be true! Claire was a kind, gentle and patient soul whose unwavering commitment to her family was admirable. Claire married Dick in 1956. This year marked their 60th wedding anniversary. ‘Mom’ to five, ‘Grandma’ to eight, and Great Grandma to ten, she would proudly and humbly admit that these were her greatest accomplishments. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff on the 5th floor at Bluewater Health for their attentive care and treatment. Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431. N. Christina St., Sarnia on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Stephen Marsh at St. Benedict’s Church on at Tuesday, May 17th at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Relay for Life in support of Claire's granddaughter Katie Swain, 556 N. Christina St., Sarnia, N7T 5W6. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com “And it is still true; no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” A tree will be planted in memory of Claire Foreman in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 18th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.