Obituary of Claire-Louise Hamilton

MCNALLY, Claire 2008-04-23 Claire Louise McNally passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2008 at Pioneer Ridge with her daughter by her side. She was born on April 5th, 1908 in Lucknow, Ontario to Agnes and Joseph Hamilton. Claire spent her early years on her father‘s farm outside of Lucknow. Claire came to the Murillo area when she was thirteen to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Martha (Mickey) and Joe Hughes. She attended S.S. #4 Oliver where she made many lifelong friends. Later she studied nursing. Her life spanned a century and thus she witnessed many dramatic changes. When she first traveled to Port Arthur from Southampton, Ontario, it was by steamship. Airplanes would later take her to visit family in Toronto and Sarnia, and to Florida for vacations. In June of 1930 she married Fletcher McNally and they lived on the McNally family farm in Oliver Township where they raised three children. An excellent cook, Claire was especially noted for her bread, buns, pies and tarts. She entered many categories in the Murillo Fair over the years and won many, many prizes. An avid gardener; she loved her plants and flowerbeds. No matter how she felt, you could not keep her from pulling weeds, chasing after raspberries, high bush cranberries and wild strawberries to make jams and jellies. Making Sunday dinners for her family was a task of which she never tired. Claire spent many happy hours with her family and friends. As well, she loved being with her grandchildren and helping them with their daily lives. Claire loved to dance and she spent many pleasant Friday evenings at the Rural 60 Plus, where she was a member. Square dancing at the Herb Carroll Centre was also one of her many activities. As well she was part of the UCW of the Murillo United Church and later the Share and Care Group of Pinegrove United. She is survived by her daughter Fay Enders, son Jack McNally (Donna), grandchildren Bob Mongrain (Fiona), Mississauga, Ontario, Susan Mongrain, Ottawa, Barbara Mongrain, Toronto, Tanis Gelevan (Willy) Bedford, Nova Scotia, James Enders (Carol Dee), Thunder Bay, Ryan McNally (Julie), Kingston, Ontario, great grandchildren Ben, Jane and Claire Mongrain, Kirsten and Justine Gelevan and Jeremy Enders (Chelsey). Claire was predeceased by her husband Fletcher on Sept 20, 1978, daughter Glenna and sons-in-law Ivan Mongrain and Keith Enders. She was the last of her family as her mother, father and ten siblings all predeceased her. Services for Claire McNally will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Pinegrove United Church with Rev. Jann Sampson officiating. Private family interment to follow at Stanley Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, April 25th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Blake Funeral Chapel. If friends so desire, donations to the charity of their choice would be appreciated.