Claire Irene Graves

Graves: Claire Irene, passed away peacefully on 20 April 2021 at her home on Zealand Road in Sharbot Lake at the age of 77. Survived by her husband Doug Steele; brother George Couch (Jackie); sister Catherine Couch; sisters-in-law Margaret and Kim Couch. Predeceased by brothers Hugh, John and Donald Couch. Claire will be missed by her son Christopher Graves [(Mia Boiridy) - Léa, Inès, Maël]; stepson Michael Steele [(Gail) -Jesse]; and stepdaughters JoAnn Warren [(Terry) - Kelly and Riley], Pamela Steele [(Ken) - Noe and Lydia] and Michelle Steele (Josie).  She held close her sister-in-law by her former marriage, Tonie Chéné and Angela Graves. Claire treasured being with all her family and friends.

Claire lived in Sharbot Lake after graduating from teacher's college and was a career elementary school teacher in Mountain Grove, Sharbot Lake and Parham.  She was a proud member of the North Frontenac Little Theatre, Dynamite Tay Modern Square Dance Club, the Sharbot Lake Sunday Nighters (her curling group), and the local book club and bridge group. She travelled extensively in Canada, the United States, Italy, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, India and China.

In 2019, Claire was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a brain disease that, over time, irreversibly impairs and diminishes one’s abilities to walk, write, read and speak. Claire wished to thank the many friends (Karen Burke and Shelia Weeks--special mention)  and neighbours who came to her aid when she fell and for their frequent gifts of cookies and other treasures.

A small family gathering will be held at a later date. In Claire’s memory, a donation to the church of your choice or to your local food bank in her name would be greatly appreciated.

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