Obituary of Claire Marchand

It is with heavy and saddened hearts that the family of Claire Marchand announce her passing surrounded by her loving family on February 21, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mom was born on October 31, 1944, to the late Francis and Flora Samson of Samson’s Cove, NS. She was born into a large, loving family and, honourably and proudly cared for her mother and oldest brother William until their passing. She married Wilfred Marchand on June 16, 1962, and enjoyed 60 wonderful years, loving their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Claire and Wilfred could be seen together enjoying their retirement and the life they created. Where you saw one, you saw the other. Mom loved gardening, yard work, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband Wilfred, children Terry (Henry), Joey (Cathy), Shelly (Serge), Kelly (Paula), and Barry (Tracey). She deeply loved her grandchildren Jake, Joel (Madison), Kelzie, Gracen, Zachary, McKenzie, and Aiden. She adored her great-grandson Corbin and was looking forward to welcoming a great-granddaughter in July. Mom is survived by siblings Hycinth, Delores, Thérèse, Réné, Joe, Betty Anne, Alfred, and their loving families. She is predeceased by her parents, siblings Lucille, Amelia, William, Edwin, siblings in infancy, and many in-laws Mabel, Johnny, Réné, Bertram, Adolphe, Patricia, mother-in-law, Rose, father-in-law Arthur, brother-in-law Arthur and sister-in-law Muriel. Over the years, Mom was passionate about others and improving the lives for people across Nova Scotia. She served on many community groups including the Lioness Club, the St. Louis Parish Council, and being the president of the Richmond County Senior’s Council. Her greatest spiritual impact came when she started the Prayer Shawl Ministry – Gifts of Comfort and Hope with her husband and Rose Marie Samson. These gifts were given to the sick, injured, newborns, and homeless across Canada and as far away as Nigeria with compassion, hope, prayers for healing, and respect to all recipients. This work, along with senior advocacy, were recognized in 2018 when she was awarded with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General of Canada, Ms. Julie Payette. Our family had the pleasure to present her with this award prior to her passing. We are very proud of all her accomplishments. Having worked many roles, her greatest undertaking was being a wonderful wife, amazing mother, proud Mama, and loving Grandmama. She passed on great qualities of hard work, compassion, and love for one another to all her family. She was not scared of a hard day’s work. Mom had an impeccable eye for decorating as witnessed at senior’s social events and other community events. Her love of decorating was most evident in how beautifully assembled her Christmas decorations were in her home. We would like to thank the many healthcare workers at the Victoria General Hospital, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, and Strait Richmond Hospital for their care during mom’s illness. Most importantly we are forever grateful to the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Team of Dr. Cooper, RN Lesley, and RN Kyla. They showed amazing compassion and care, not only for mom, but for all her family during this difficult time. We also want to thank Continuing Care Team, especially RN Adelle and RN Racheal for their care. Lastly, we want to thank Father Duncan for the many visits and prayers. Visitation will be held at the Glen Sampson Room in Louisdale on Tuesday, February 28th from 6-9 pm. Funeral mass at St. Louis Church in Louisdale on Wednesday, March 1 at 11am with Rev. Duncan MacIssac officiating. A reception to follow at the St. Louis Parish Hall in Louidale. Burial to be held at the Acadiaville Columbarium in West Arichat. Donations can be made to the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Unit or Charity of your choice. Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of Claire may be shared with the family at www.chboudreau.com