Isabel I. Clarke, 93, died suddenly but peacefully, after a series of prolonged illnesses, March 3, 2020, at Haro Park Centre, in Vancouver, BC. She was born October 12, 1926, in Montreal, Quebec, the daughter of Andrew A. and Laura (Day) Gow. Isabel was happy to move to Vancouver in 2006 to be closer to her beloved family in her elder years.
Isabel married Walter Thomas Clarke, the love of her life, in 1950. They shared many precious years together until his death in 1990. She was a faithful and loving wife, steadfastly caring for her husband during his many difficult health challenges. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, rich in Godly faith, compassion, kindness and a tenacious love of family and life. She lived these qualities to the very end.
Isabel graduated from West Hill High School in Montreal in 1943, where she achieved scholarships. She shared stories of her youth growing up in the NDG neighbourhood of Montreal and her teen years at the Hampton Y, jitterbugging with her friends, or at many Oscar Peterson concerts at Victoria Hall in nearby Westmount. Isabel was the school secretary at Allancroft Elementary in Beaconsfield, QC for over 20 years and she loved the people there! The kids, teachers and parents were a real highlight for her. She also cherished her memories of her childhood summers in Lancaster ON, which she continued with her husband and children. Later she always looked forward to vacations in Ocean Park Maine with family and friends for important R and R, as she was very hard working and had to rise above many challenges in her adult life as a caregiver for her husband while raising her family.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister Louisa Cameron (Gow). Surviving family members include daughter Andrea L. Clarke of Vancouver, BC; David A. Clarke of Peachland, BC; Geoffrey W. Clarke and his wife Milja (Paate) Clarke of Smithers, BC; and four grandchildren: Jesse Clarke, Niko Clarke, Ruth Clarke and Thomas Clarke of Smithers BC.
The family wishes to thank all the staff, as well as Dr. Ramje and Dr. Shafie, at Haro Park Centre for the many years of caring and dedicated health support.
A private family service was held on Saturday, March 14, at the Smithers Evangelical Free Church in Smithers, BC.
Memorial donations may be made on her behalf to Inspire Health, a BC organization that provides supportive cancer care to individuals and their families.
www.inspirehealth.ca/donate
Isabel will be greatly missed but is at home with Christ, her Saviour.