CLAIRE HUTCHINSON (SPEIRS)

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CLAIRE HUTCHINSON (nee SPEIRS) March 23, 1932 - July 14, 2007 Sadly, we announce the passing of Claire Hutchinson, beloved mother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Predeceased by husband R.W. Bill Hutchinson, and sister Sheila Shaw. She will be missed by daughter Carol and son John, in-laws Helen Hutchinson and Bev (Finn) Billehau, and many nephews and nieces: Deb (Ron) Jantzen; Michael (Theresa) Shaw; Robert (Chris Krawchenko) Shaw; Bruce (Miriam Unruh) Shaw; Linda (Paul) Ervin; Sharon (Rusty) Miller; Nancy (Dean) Abrassart; Robert (Dianne) Barr; and Dyan (Anthony) Connelly. Loving cousins include Carol Davies, Christine (Pat) Gannon, Rick (Michele) Hearn, Elaine Guest, and Lorraine Ketcheson. Other extended family includes the Munoz family and a host of younger family members. Claire was kind, open-minded, good-natured, athletic, and had a great sense of humour. She maintained many lifelong friendships, gathering numerous new friends amongst colleagues, at her church, her condominium, Niakwa Golf and Country Club, the Re-fit Centre, the Winter Club, and various bridge clubs. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Claire graduated from St. Mary's Academy, worked at Singer's, then married Bill in 1957. Family life was centred around cottages at Lake of the Woods and Matlock, boating in summer and snowmobiling in winter. We can never forget her pink-and-purple tie-dyed snowmobile suit with matching hood, mitts, and boots. So 70s. Go Mom! Widowed in 1977, she then began an extended career in real estate. She loved it, and had great success; her driving skills were such that clients often bought the first house she took them to! Religion was very important all her life, and she attended St. John Brebeuf and St. Ignatius Church. She loved her yearly birthday tipple with Father Driscoll, a glass of wine with Sheila and Margaret on the balcony, or a good Martini at Rae Jerry's with Carol, Ruth, Muriel and the other Golden Girls. Bread Circuses breakfasts with Barb, and lunch with Bev and the other ladies also gave her so much joy. Claire's was a good life. The family would like to thank the large number of people who showed their support and generosity during Claire's illness. Special thanks go to staff at St. Boniface Hospital who helped her during her last days. Cremation has taken place, with interment to happen at a later date. The funeral is Wednesday, July 18, 2:00 p.m., at St. Ignatius Church at Stafford and Corydon, with a reception to follow at the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club, 275 Stradbrook Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make an online donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to the Canadian Cancer Society at 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 17, 2007