Clare, Donna 1938 - 2024
Respectfully we announce the passing of Donna (Irene Amelia) Clare (nee Gibbons) on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the age of 86. Donna passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Lookout Ridge Retirement Home in Fonthill. Beloved wife of 64 years to John Clare, Dear mother to Randy, Robin Primerano (Chris) and Mary Kay Waggle (Brian). Cherished grandmother to Martha and Taylor Primerano, Cooper and Clare Waggle. Much loved aunt to Pam Clare. Greatly missed by her sister Mary Emery (Krieger).
Born in Welland to Catharine and Bert Gibbons (deceased) she married into the large Clare family. Daughter-in-law to Mary and Edward Clare (deceased), sister-in-law Marylin (deceased), Edgar Given (deceased), William, Doris, (Marrie deceased) Phylis, Richard Lee (deceased), Robert, Rita, (Boop) (deceased), and survived by Donald, Gladys Clare and Sharon and Dave Atkins. Donna will be missed by a very large number of nieces and nephews.
She met her soon to be husband on a blind date at a New Year's Eve party. Working In a bank, the party was hosted by Bill and Doris, a fellow employee. They would become her future in-laws. Thus began a lifelong adventure. Donna and John were true partners in life and with their business Clare's Cycle and Sports.
Donna raised three children in a home she loved in Fenwick while balancing many interests and activities. It was a busy life, traveling and riding a motorcycle, always on the back. When not traveling there was no place like her home.
A strong supporter of the village of Fenwick, she enjoyed her membership with the Fenwick Lioness Club. Here, she met many friends whose support has lasted a lifetime. Donna will be missed fondly by her lifetime friends Bill and Sharon Farrion and by the ladies who lunched together from Pelham High.
Although not a golfer she did enjoy her time at Lookout Point Golf and Country Club and 20 years at their home in Myrtle Beach. Later, some of the most lasting memories are from Lake Erie and the Sundays spent at the family cottage.
A special thanks needs to be said to the team at Lookout Ridge for their care and compassion. Donna wished to remain in her own home for as long as possible and it was through the incredible kindness of Sandy Kovacs, Nell Overbeeke, Yvonne Scott, Korry Walton, and Gerry Siconolfi that made that happen. They were invaluable in making this possible. It can be said that if we give a little it often will come back ten fold.
In keeping with Donna's wishes cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill on Wednesday, October 2nd from 6-8 pm and on Thursday, October 3rd from 12 - 2 pm and 6-8 pm. The family will gather for a private interment at Hillside Cemetery on a later date.
As and expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Welland Hope Centre. Condolences can be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
