Beryl, at the age of 87, passed suddenly and peacefully on May 2, 2016, and joined her beloved Dick who called her to their Eternal Home - together once again!

Born Ellen Beryl O’Hagan on February 20, 1929 in Vancouver, British Columbia to parents Jim and Ellen “Nell“ O’Hagan. Beryl grew up on 8th and Trimble in West Point Grey, with younger sisters, Corinne “Coke” and Donna. As a young girl, Beryl with sister Corinne spent most of their weekends with Aunty Babs, their Godmother, at the family hotel on Richards Street; she learned to play the piano, and achieved Level 10 at the Toronto Royal Conservatory. As a teenager, she worked at the Hudson Bay Company, playing the piano and selling sheet music, and like all teenagers of the time, she loved the big band music of Dal Richards. Beryl attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and was in the first Grade 12 graduating class of ‘48; she was also involved in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) where she met Dick.

In February 1949, at 19 years old, she married the love of her life, Dick Clarke who just passed away on January 9, 2016 after 67 years of marriage. Together they had ten children: Richard, Jim (Kathy), Paul (Colleen), Gerard (Gwen), Peter, Patrick (Christine), John (Beth), Ellen (Luke), Frank (Colleen), Andy (Kim); and twenty-three grandchildren: Christiaan, Nathaniel, Katie, Chris (Karen), Anna, Anthony, Scott, Kelly, Mitch, Abigail, Elaine, Hannah, Stuart, Jack, Leo, Peter, Will, Jake, Sam, Jessica, Justin, Nathaniel, and Emily. Beryl received her incredible work ethic, endless energy, and nurturing spirit from her mother, Nell O’Hagan.
As a woman of great trust, Beryl’s dedication to her faith and unconditional love to her family have been her greatest joys. As a young mother, she built daily mass into the routine of her life and raised her children to be firmly grounded in Catholic traditions. She had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and loved to pray the rosary.

Known for her hospitality, she was always quick to include new parishioners, and priests for a delicious, home-cooked meal. The priests of OLPH enjoyed a standing invitation for dinner, and she was extremely grateful for their presence in her home with her family. For years, she served as President of the Catholic Women’s League and gave back whole-heartedly to the Church she so greatly loved!

Beryl enjoyed the friendship and love of many with her positive, engaging and welcoming ways. She always saw the best in people, and understood many of life’s struggles; her own children and their spouses, grandchildren, cousins, friends, nieces and nephews marveled at her kindness, encouragement, and ability to make each one feel treasured, like they shared a uniquely special bond together. Her generosity was legendary, often slipping grandchildren a twenty or fifty to buy an ice cream!

Special thanks to the staff at Augustine House in Ladner, B.C. where Beryl and Dick spent four restful years; truly, at last it was her turn to be served delicious meals and enjoy regular visits from many of her children and grandchildren. Mom, we will love and miss you forever.