Obituary of Eileen May Clarke
It is with appreciation for a life well lived that the family announce the passing of our dear mother, Eileen May Clarke, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the Kennebec Manor nursing home. Born in Saint John NB, on February 16, 1925, Eileen was a daughter of William McKee and Mabel Bertha (nee Beardsley) Jones, and beloved wife of Eugene R. Clarke.
Mom worked at NB Tel where she later met Dad and became a ‘household CEO’ and devoted mother. She was active in the St. Ann’s church, Ketepec, and the Church of the Resurrection, visiting shut-ins and those in nursing homes. Both she and Dad supported the KBM community club and the Marina (she loved to dance!).
Always interested in learning new things, Mom attended workshops and night school classes. She kept busy with part time work at the Marina office, and for the holidays, helping at the Post office and Kmart. Eileen’s most rewarding job was working full time at the Ridgewood Veterans’ Hospital in the Red Cross Arts and Crafts Dept. She worked there for many years and, after retiring, continued to volunteer there working with the vets until the age of ninety!
Boating and growing up on the river gave her a loyalty to her family community of Ketepec. She, her sister Connie, and cousin Penny Harris became known as the “Ghostbusters” for their research on genealogy and local history of the area. This was her passion, and she was busily involved up until this past summer. Mom had a sense of humour that often led her to play little innocent tricks or jokes on each of us from time to time. Despite her busy life she always found time for her cribbage club who are her ‘forever friends!’
Eileen is survived by her children: Cynthia “Cindy” (Paul) Logan of Hampton, Stephen (Sue Allaby) Clarke of Morna Heights, Kevin (Debra) Clarke of Benalmadena Spain and, Michael (Susan) Carter-Clarke of Saint John; her brother Allan (Heather) Jones of Quispamsis who had a special place in her heart; grandchildren: John Patrick (Melanie) Logan, Colleen (Jeffrey Underhill) Logan, Kristen Thibodeau, Avery Dakin-Clarke, Laura Dakin-Clarke, Hayley Clarke, Jessica Chartrand, and Leo Chartrand (Kat); great- grandchildren: Jaxen, Charlotte, and Jacob Logan; as well as many nieces and nephews with whom she kept in contact regularly.
Eileen was predeceased by her parents, husband Eugene, sister Constance (Connie) French, as well as her brothers/sisters- in- law.
Special thanks to dear family, friends and neighbours for their help and loving kindness to Mom over the years; your support allowed her to stay in her home as long as possible. Phil and Debby Stubbs, Margot and Jerry McCluskey, and to all the dedicated staff at Kennebec Manor Nursing Home; each of you made such a positive impact on Eileen. Hugs, especially to Darlene, her new best friend and caregiver, we send you our special thanks.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (634 1701). In respecting Eileen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring, or Summer, of 2023. Donations in Eileen’s memory can be made to the Ridgewood Veterans Hospital, Red Cross, KBM Outing Association, or the charity of your choice. For those who wish, condolences can be made by visiting www.Castlefh.ca.
A Smile
Unknown Author
A smile is cheer to you and me
The cost is nothing - it's given free
It comforts the weary - gladdens the sad
Consoles those in trouble - good or bad
To rich and poor - beggar or thief
It's free to all of any belief.
A natural gesture of young and old
Cheers on the faint - disarms the bold
Unlike most blessings for which we pray
It's one thing we keep when we give it away.
