Born in Hays River to the late Alexander and Jessie (MacMaster) Walker on April 25th, 1931, she was one of 12 siblings. After moving to the Corner, Inverness, as a teenager, Jessie would eventually succumb to the incessant flirtations of her future husband, Cecil.
Jessie and Cecil moved to Halifax in 1948 where she worked a variety of jobs at places like Woolworth’s department store and Moir’s chocolate factory, before moving to New Waterford where Cecil worked in the coal mines. They returned to Inverness in 1960, making their home on Mann Avenue.
Together, Jessie and Cecil had 11 children, sharing with them the same profound love they had for each other. Cecil passed in 1976, leaving Jessie to raise her 5 youngest children alone, and leaving a craterous hole in her heart. For 48 years she mourned and yearned for her late husband, and we take great solace in knowing they’re together again, sharing their eternal love.
While Jessie did not have a career occupation, she focused her energy toward the jobs she was truly born to do — mother and grandmother. She was a natural caregiver and nurturer, instilling in her children and grandchildren a belief that they could do and be anything, and an understanding that you could accomplish that while treating all of those you meet with respect.
Ironically, despite being a woman who shied away from the centre of attention, she became the Sun in the universe of people who descended from her. She was the warmth and the light that everyone always gravitated back to. Whether you were up or down, sure or unsure, by her side was the place her family went when they needed life’s most trusted guidance. From children to great-great grandchildren, 86 people descended from Jessie and Cecil’s love, and there isn’t a single one that ever doubted the counsel she provided.
While it was those descendants that she loved most, there was plenty more places Jessie directed her passion. She was a gifted quilter and baker, hand stitching countless unique pieces for her family; that way she could still keep us warm, even when she wasn’t there. Rare was the day that anyone entered her home and there wasn’t fresh breads and sweets, prepared with a natural precision. She devoted hours every week to playing cards and bingo. Cards called for laughter and conversation, while bingo was a time for quiet concentration, as one could not afford to miss a step on your 2-2-and-2.
We will miss her hugs and kisses on the cheek most, but we will miss her wit, her education and her love just as much.
Jessie is survived by her children, Ed, Bobby (Glenda), Margaree Valley, Ray, Inverness, Debby (Don), Falconbridge, Ontario, Lillian (RJ), Inverness, Ethel (Bernie), Glenora Falls, Bernie (Carol), Lower Sackville, Jimmy (Gail), Inverness, David (Charlene), Inverness and Cecil (Lise), Manitouwadge, Ontario, her sister Ann (John) Dunford, Mabou, her 25 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her soulmate Cecil, and son in infancy David, siblings A.D., John, Lauchie, Alexander, Donald, Ina, Irene, Caddy (Catherine), Peggy (Margaret) and Florence, granddaughters Raylene and Madison and grandson Cecil.
The family of the late Jessie Clarke wish to graciously commend the staff and administration at Inverary Manor, where Jessie spent her final years, as well as Dr. Ritter, Dr. Lafrance and the rest of the Inverness County palliative care team, for their care, compassion and empathy.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 26th in Inverness Funeral Home from 4-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 27th in Stella Maris Parish, Inverness at 11:00 am.
Donations in the memory of the late Mary Jessie Clarke can be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or Inverary Manor, Inverness.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
