Obituary of Mary Claire Doyle

It is with heavy hearts, deep sorrow, and much love that the family of Claire Doyle of Arichat is left to mourn her passing. Claire died peacefully on September 24, 2024, while in palliative care at St Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish surrounded by much love, the comfort of her husband Hubert, and other family members who remained by her side during her final days. Claire faced her cancer diagnosis with faith, courage, and grace and chose to spend these last few months doing the things she loved, with the people she loved; like spending time in her garden, playing games of cards with her family and friends, watching several marathon Netflix series, engaging in lively political debates, and talking about issues she cared deeply about over a meal or cup of tea. Claire enjoyed many passions and interests; gardening was especially important to her. She loved to play cards with family and friends and was known to enjoy the occasional trip to the casino. Claire leaves behind her beloved husband of 59 years Hubert, her son Darren, her granddaughter Alex; Rennie, and Denise Gotell, who she treated as her own following the death of her eldest sister Evelyn. She will be missed greatly by her sisters, Delima Scanlan, Whiteside, and Delia White, New Hampshire; brother David Boudreau (Donna), Whiteside, sisters-in-law, Idella Boudreau, Petit de Grat, and Norma Boudreau, Arichat; brother-in-law Clem Landry, Arichat; and all the Gotell siblings, who she had a very special relationship with and acted as a surrogate mother to (Kevin, Glenn, Blair, Celeste, and Carla) along, with her many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. Claire was born on August 9, 1945, the third youngest of nine children, of the late Hyacinth and Clara (Samson) Boudreau of Little Anse. Besides her parents, she is pre-deceased by her brothers Russell, Gordon, and Herman; sisters, Evelyn Gotell and Isabelle Landry; sister-in-law, Lucy Boudreau, and brothers-in-law, Joe Gotell, George White, and Elmer Scanlan. Claire lived a life filled with passion and service to others. She had a deep faith in God and shared her love with family, and her community. Claire was a social justice warrior, involved in many causes over the years. giving generously of her time and energy to improve the lives of people in her community. Her volunteer involvement spanned decades including Girl Guides, Catholic Women’s League, Canadian Cancer Society (NS), Tourism, St. Anne Centre, and involvement in several different roles within Our Lady of Assumption Church. She also was an active member of the Strait Richmond Housing Matters Coalition, welcoming and supporting Ukrainian families to the community or quietly behind the scenes helping people in time of need. Claire was one of those people that showed, compassion to everyone she came across in her life, never judging and always finding the good in everyone. Prior, to learning about her illness in the new year, Claire was actively involved in several organizations as President of the Isle Madame Garden Club, a board member of the Seniors Take Action Coalition, and Chair of the Social Justice Committee for the OLA Parish. In June, her volunteer contributions were recognized by The Municipality of the County Richmond County as Volunteer of the Month, and during the Fall sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature, MLA Trevor Boudreau paid tribute to Claire during a Member Statement. She had an adventurous spirit that led her to a life filled with several different interests and career paths. She was a successful business owner, cranberry farmer, adult educator, and religious education director and worked in both the local pharmacy and medical office. Claire was a strong advocate for women’s equal rights and on more than one occasion she took up the cause for equity-related issues breaking the glass ceiling in political realms. Claire had so many beautiful qualities including her kindness, compassion, and generosity, but her humility captured her very essence. Claire went about the world, sprinkling kindness everywhere she went, expecting nothing in return. Claire's friendships were important to her, several spanning decades. Whether new or old, she enjoyed great times over lunch or a cup of tea sharing stories and laughs. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the team of medical professionals, who supported Claire through her cancer journey for the compassion and care provided in these last many months. Special thanks to the palliative care team at St Martha’s Hospital for the exemplary care they provided in her final days. There will be no public visitation per request. A private viewing for the family will be held prior, to the funeral. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Arichat on Saturday, October 5th at 1100 am, officiated by Rev. Dwayne Devereaux. Burial to take place at a later date. Claire’s passion for life was deeply rooted in her love for gardening. To honour her memory and celebrate her life, we invite all those attending to wear the colours of a vibrant garden. Let us fill the room with the bright colors you would find in a garden of bloom. Family and friends are invited to join a Celebration of Life reception to be held following the funeral at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 150 in Arichat. Memorial donations can be made to the Isle Madame Garden Club, and the Pay-It-Forward Angel Fund. Words of comfort and memories of Claire can be shared with the family at www.chboudreau.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C. H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd in Arichat.