Clarice de Silva passed peacefully at St. John’s Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Clarice was the oldest of six children. She was extremely bright and determined. After university, her passion for education and young people saw her pursue a career as a high school teacher, and later, as an early childhood educator. Over her life, she shaped many young minds and is affectionately remembered as “Miss Clarice.”
Her biggest passion, however, was always her family. A loving wife, Clarice spent almost 40 years travelling the world with her husband, Clarence. She was the love of his life. She also crafted special relationships with each of her six children – who she loved intensely and pushed to succeed. Still, if you asked her, Clarice would say becoming a grandma (“mum mum”) was one of the greatest gifts in her life.
She will be remembered for her generous spirit, charm, quick wit, and infectious laugh. A natural entertainer, her dinner parties were famous for good food, drinks and laughter.
Clarice is survived by her ever-loving husband Clarence, her children Sonali (Ray), Sanjeewa, Channa (Kim), Charmaine (Jessica), Clarence, and Cheryl, and her grandchildren Adrian, Devon, Tristan, Ashton, Sara, Justin, Kaleb and Clara.
Clarice is predeceased by her parents Charles Perera and Charlotte Wijeyagunawardane, and her late husband P.A.D. Karunaratne.
The family would like to thank her amazing caregivers, Elena Delmo and Ferdilyn Madriga, who took wonderful care of her as she battled a cruel disease.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (2465 Crown Street, Vancouver) on Friday, February 7th at 10:30 am, with reception afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.