CLARE, Sister Rita (Sister St. Clare Maureen) CND
It is with deep sorrow and a great sense of loss that the family of Sister Rita Clare and the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame announce the sudden passing of Sister Rita on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Parkland Cape Breton, Sydney.
Sister Rita was born in Sydney, the eldest child of Donald and Mayme (Briand) Clare. She entered the Congregation in Montreal in 1952, returning to the Maritimes following her profession. She served in Mabou, Inverness, Antigonish, Newcastle, NB and Holy Angels Convent, Sydney. For most of her professional career, she was an outstanding educator and administrator in Music and Fine Arts with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board.
In 1973 Sister Rita founded the Cape Breton Chorale to meet the need for an adult mixed Choir that would perform classical works and sacred music in the area, a choir that still exists today. At the Chorale’s recent ‘Salute to Canada Concert’ on Sunday, May 28, Sister Rita was recognized for her years of dedicated leadership. Sister Rita also served as director for the Holy Angels Chorale, The Cape Breton Youth Choir and the Visitation Chorale. She was instrumental in developing the CND exhibit in Fortress Louisbourg, and was deeply committed to this project.
Sister has received widespread recognition throughout Canada and abroad for her expertise as a Choral Conductor and educator. Her numerous awards include: recognition from the Province for her volunteer effort on behalf of the 1987 Canada Winter Games, held in Cape Breton, for organizing and conducting a 200 voice choir; Woman of the Year in 1972; the degree of Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa from the University College of Cape Breton in 1991; and the Jubilate Award from the CMEA, for outstanding continued and tireless support of music education in Nova Scotia. Sister Rita has dedicated her qualities of leadership, creativity and motivation to the enhancement of the cultural life of her community and her province. Her passing has created a void. She will be greatly missed.
Sister Rita was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Barrett.
She leaves to mourn three sisters, Dawn (Gilles) Akuskas, Montreal, Bonnie (Nick) Norcott, Ottawa and Maureen (Arthur) MacDonald, Sydney, and one brother, Donald Jr., Sydney. Sister is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at SW Chant Funeral Home on Alexandra St., Sydney, on Friday, June 2 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with a Bible Vigil at
7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River on Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m. with Father Barrett Clare Johnson, nephew of Sister Rita, officiating. Reception will follow.
Memorials may be made to the Sister Rita Clare Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice.
Burial to take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of...