CLARE M. HOESCHEN

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CLARE M. HOESCHEN

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Clare, who died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 9, 2025, just weeks shy of her 90th birthday. She will be remembered for a life well lived - a caring mother who shared her love of music and brought laughter to all around her.

Born in England in 1935, Clare was relocated to Winnipeg during the Second World War with her mom, Mae MacMaster - her father, J.C., joined them shortly after the war ended. After graduating from St. Mary's Academy, although gifted at the piano, she pursued a career in nursing after getting a B.A., and later married her childhood sweetheart Bob Hoeschen, the boy who came to her rescue when she was stranded in a boat on West Hawk Lake. They married in 1959 and lovingly raised four sons - Richard, Bruce, Michael, and John - offering unwavering support throughout their lives.

The family homes, first on Assiniboine Crescent, then Waverley Street and later Kingston Crescent, were filled with the sounds of Chopin and Schumann, or the tango melodies of Astor Piazzolla on the baby grand. Clare spent many fruitful years on the Board of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and volunteering in the music community whenever she could.

In 1975, Clare masterminded the family move to England for Bob's sabbatical year from the Winnipeg General Hospital - a seminal year in the family's life - London became a touchstone city for many years to come.

In 2002, the couple retired to Oak Bay in Victoria, where they enjoyed their remaining years among cherished friends, new and old - one on the golf course, the other active in the classical music scene, including the Galiano Ensemble Society. An avid reader and follower of world events, Clare was always engaged in thoughtful conversation. Her warmth and insight will be dearly missed.

After 64 years of marriage and two lonely years apart, Clare's ashes will now be reunited with Bob, her first and true love.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra In memory of Clare Hoeschen. Donation information at 250-360-1121 or gvyorchestra@gmail.com

There will be a Celebration of Life with family and friends at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel on August 19 at 1:00 p.m., 1175 Beach Dr., Victoria, BC V8S 2N2, Canada.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2025