O’HALLORAN, Clare Irene

Clare died peacefully in St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish on December 12, 2020 at the age of 92. Born in Truro, the youngest of five siblings to Olive Hannah (Anstey) and Michael Thompkins O’halloran. Clare is survived by nine nieces and three nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Bill, Earl and Paul; and sister, Marion; the love of her life, Gerald MacDonald; and her niece, Michelle O’halloran. Clare would want it noted here that she and Marion were lifelong soulmates. Sisters born on the same day five years apart, those two were partners in crime, sister friends, gal pals and always in each other’s corner. They are happily reunited now, probably trying on shoes. After graduating from Mount St. Bernard, she continued her education at St. Francis Xavier University graduating with a BSC, Home Economics and furthered her education by attending St. Martha’s School of Nursing where she became an RN. She worked for the Halifax Infirmary and Massachusetts General before returning to Antigonish to continue her career at St. Martha’s. During her many years at St. Martha’s, she worked in the Recovery Room, on 3rd East, as an instructor at the St. Martha’s School of Nursing and finally returning to 3rd East as Supervisor. Clare’s pride in her work and her attention to detail ensured that patients under her care felt special. She was a kind and compassionate nursing professional who dedicated her life to caring for others. Away from work, it was well known that Clare was an avid shopper; she loved to spend her Friday night "poking" in the shops along Main Street, each week arriving home with something to show Mum and Marion. A trip to Boston, Mass., wasn’t complete without a browse through Jordon Marsh’s, Filene’s Basement or IJ Fox’s "just to pick up something I can’t get at home". Others benefited from this activity too, she was a thoughtful and generous gift-giver, taking much care to find the best things. Back in the day Clare enjoyed skating, donning her racers to spend an hour or two on the ice at the Memorial Rink, a community rink or an outdoor pond. Summers often found her at the cottage or the beach, with a crew of nieces and nephews along, favourite snacks always in abundance. In more recent years Clare had great enjoyment watching Sidney Crosby and was disappointed if Saturday night’s featured game wasn’t the Pens. She took pride in her home and even in her 90’s was outside making sure the flower beds and shrubs looked their best. Clare has left us at the time of year she loved so much - Christmas - shopping for that perfect gift, the gift wrapping and oh those bows, nothing like them. She did not rest until every light and every ornament was perfectly placed. Clare, enjoy your last shoot down the Main, Marion will be waiting at the other end. The family would like to acknowledge the dedicated care from Bernadette Macdonald, Janice and Rick Macdonald for phone calls and visits, Florence Macdonald, Marion Oickle and John Pellerine for their support and friendship. Clare’s niece and nephew, Cabrini and Michael as well as Michael’s wife Sheila have stood by Clare’s side in her waning years. She was so grateful for their support and said many times she would have been lost without them. Thank you to the neighbours and friends who asked after Clare. We ask that all COVID-19 protocols are observed including masks and physical distancing while in the funeral home and the church. Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street on Sunday, December 20th from 2-5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be in St. Ninian Cathedral on Monday at 11 a.m., with Rev. Donald MacGillivray presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com