Claire Denise Bourret

Besides her loving husband Joe, Claire is survived by her sisters Pauline (Bruno Lapierre), Sue (Dick Pearson) and Judy, as well as her nieces and nephews.

Claire was born in Goose Bay, Labrador, on May 9th, 1951, the eldest of four girls. Being raised in a military family meant relocating to different parts of Canada, France, and the United States. In 1967 Montreal became home. In 1976 Claire moved to Calgary completing her university studies. That same year she met Joe on the fifth floor at the UofC library and the rest is history.

Claire and Joe’s love of adventures led them on a nine month journey to the Australian outback in their Holden station wagon enjoying wide open spaces and camping under the stars, then continued onto New Zealand renewing friendships from Joe’s earlier travels. Road trips continued with travels to the Yukon, N.W.T. and Alaska where they were joined by Sylvia, Joe’s mom. While living in New Brunswick, Claire and Joe explored the Maritimes, with Pat and Bob, Claire’s parents and visited her birth place in Newfoundland.

Claire always appreciated the beauty of nature surrounding her and enjoyed sharing it with others.

During her career in Human Resources, Claire continued her involvement with people and actively volunteered for many causes and multiple organisations. One of her first volunteer positions was with the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society. Claire also joined Toastmasters and created lifelong bonds with fellow members. While living in New Brunswick, Claire taught English at the Multicultural Association of Fredericton. Upon her return to Calgary she continued her commitment as a key member of the Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation for over 20 years. Claire volunteered at many cultural events, music festivals including The Canadian Folk Alliance in Montreal and fundraisers, such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Light it Up Calgary, and Run for the Cure.

Claire visited France, Belgium, and Holland, with our Dad on the battlefield tours in Europe organised by the Royal Canadian Legion. She volunteered with The Field of Crosses in Calgary, who commemorate Canadian involvement and the veterans of world wars. More recently Claire was given the volunteer of the year award for her gardening work at the Lougheed House. Claire also spent many hours each season helping in the vegetable garden at Seeds to Greens bringing local food to her friends and neighbors.

Claire loved music and created wonderful memories with friends and family. She attended concerts at the Ironwood, Fish Creek Concerts Calgary and Canmore folk festivals, Lachine on the Canal in Montreal, and MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. She developed an interest in percussions and drumming which she loved to share with her family. Claire’s long time love of the arts was infectious. This brought about her support of local artists at exhibitions and gallery visits.

Claire always made the most of every day and had a full agenda making sure she got in her daily 10,000 steps (minimum). She would visit friends, attend Wednesday afternoon concerts, and swim laps, maintaining her health.

Claire was thoughtful, always sending birthday cards, special stickers, recipes, or newspaper articles she knew would be interesting and appreciated. She was generous and always ready to help those around her. She loved hosting her friends and family including the annual Christmas fondues or evenings in the backyard around the fire pit.

Claire’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the professional medical care that was provided for her.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Claire to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation.

A Celebration of Claire’s life will be held on Friday May 12th at 11am at Southern Alberta Pioneers, 3624 - 4th Street. S.W., Calgary