CLARA LORRAINE ATKINS

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CLARA LORRAINE ATKINS

(nee BOURGEOIS)

Clare passed away peacefully and with grace on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the age of 88. Clare's memory will be cherished by her son, Scott and wife, Lisa, and their children, Wyatt and Kassidy, her daughter, Lisa Monney and husband, Paul, and their children, Noah, and Kendall. Clare was predeceased by her husband, John, in 2016. Also remembering Clare is her sister, Doreen Bagrie of Portage la Prairie and her family, and her sister-in-law, Carole Lowe of Kanata, Ont., and her family.



Clare was born in Portage la Prairie, MB in 1935 and moved to Winnipeg a few years after graduating high school. One of Clare's first jobs in Winnipeg was working for TCA, now known as Air Canada. This is where she first met John. They married in September 1962 and waited to start a family because, in Clare's words, they were just having too much fun as a couple. Married for almost 54 years, they provided the perfect example of a successful marriage, one that requires not only love, but also commitment, compromise, and fun. Lisa remembers Clare saying many times that she and John were friends as well as spouses. Scott and Lisa are both grateful for the amazing life John and Clare were able to provide. They had everything they ever wanted and needed. They felt supported with every silly whim or idea they had. John and Clare always welcomed their friends into their home with no judgment.



After spending a few years at home with Scott and Lisa, Clare rejoined the workforce. Over the years, she worked for several companies in various positions. Her most fulfilling job was working as an Educational Assistant at Earl Grey School, which she performed for 7 years, retiring in 1998. A former colleague recalls Clare's sense of fashion and grace as she walked the halls; the young students often thought she was the principal.



Clare's easy-going nature was a perfect complement to John's personality. Clare was happy to come along for the ride. When John developed a love of horses and riding, Clare purchased the jeans, boots and cowboy hat and jumped into the saddle. When a friend encouraged John to take up skiing in his 50s, of course Clare, eager to join John on this new adventure, bought the skis, poles, boots, and the brightest Descente one-piece outfit she could find. John's philosophy on learning to ski was to just go for it. Clare, on the other hand, signed up for private lessons before going on the first trip. As the family hit the slopes, John would attempt to keep up with the more experienced skiers, while Clare would take her sweet time, carving from one side of the run to the next, showing complete control and grace. She would ski for a half-day or so, then make her way down to the chalet and spend the afternoon shopping in town.



A highlight for Clare was the annual shopping trip to Grand Forks with her sister and all their daughters, daughters-in-law and eventually some of the granddaughters. This trip created 20 years of memories. The weekend was planned and executed with perfection. The Purchase Parade before dinner on Saturday was the feature event. Clare and Doreen would have everyone in stitches as they presented their purchases; even a pack of briefs would be described in elegant detail. The belly laughs until the tears came are cherished memories.



Clare loved to socialize and very much enjoyed hosting dinner parties. She could navigate the kitchen with grace and poise, perfectly timing each dish. It was important to Clare that her guests all sat together to share a meal and good conversation. As the conversations lingered into the evening, the dirty dishes would remain on the counter; Clare insisted she would clean after her guests left.



Clare's love of shopping has been passed down to her family. She appreciated quality and loved buying herself beautiful things, but she loved providing beautiful things to her family even more. Gifts for others were always thoughtful and wrapped with a personal touch. If her shopping companion was ever hesitant about a purchase, she would urge them on by saying, "Oh, you have to have that!"



Noah, Kendall, Wyatt, and Kassidy share many special memories of being together at the big house with the pool! Nana/Grandma always supplied the best snacks and suppers. Whatever the kids wanted, Nana/Grandma would oblige. Successes, no matter how small, would always be recognized with a "Good Show, Good Show." Noah, Kendall, Wyatt, and Kassidy always had her full attention. Clare's legacy will live on through her grandchildren.



At Clare's request, cremation has taken place, and no formal service has been planned. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Clare's Life at Cibo Waterfront Cafe on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2023, Dec 16, 2023