Clarissa Patricia Josephine Hurley, R.N.
1920-2018
The family of Clarissa Patricia Josephine Hurley, R.N. is
deeply saddened to announce her death, on March
27th, at Rocmaura Nursing Home in Saint
John. Born on March 15th, 1920, she
was the daughter of the late Daniel and Clara (née Maher)
Hurley of Barnaby River, New Brunswick.
Clarissa devoted her long, remarkable life to her faith,
family, friends, and work. In 1938, she left the family farm at
Semiwagon Ridge near Barnaby River to train at the Hotel Dieu Hospital
in Chatham, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. At the Civic
Hospital in Ottawa she developed her specialty in obstetric and
pediatric nursing. In the late 1940’s, she traveled to New
York to join the order of religious sisters, Filiarum Mariae, Salutem
Infirmorum (Daughters of Mary, Health of the Sick). As Sister Mary
Carmel, she provided care to disadvantaged women and children in New
York City’s most troubled areas, and spent several years at
the order’s foreign mission in Okinawa, Japan. In the
mid-1970’s, she returned to her native New Brunswick, where
she continued nursing, cared for her aging parents, and turned her
formidable work ethic to a second career as a data processor at Saint
John’s Scotiabank Centre.
Clarissa was a steadfast, loving friend, always on hand with
perceptive and practical advice. A woman of strong convictions, she
was nonetheless tolerant and non-judgmental. Loquacious and
articulate, she was a natural storyteller with an infectious laugh.
She lived simply, unconcerned with the acquisition of material
belongings. Her only indulgence was a daily trip to Tim
Horton’s for a ham and cheese biscuit; her only extravagance
was her boundless capacity for love, empathy, and compassion.
Survived by her sisters, Alice (Cliff, dec.) and Stella (Ray
Renneburg); brother, Anthony (Louise); 25 nieces and nephews, and
their many children. Predeceased by her parents as well as
her siblings Martin, John (Joyce), James (Anne), Joe, Daniel
(Kathleen), Peter (Marie), Raymond (Frances), Mary, and Phoebe, as
well as her nephew, Michael.
Clarissa’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the
devoted nurses and caregivers at Rocmaura Nursing Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of
Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111
Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visitation on Wednesday,
April 4, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 21 Canon
Street, Saint John, NB, on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12:00 Noon, with
Father Peter Melanson presiding. Remembrances made to Rocmaura Nursing
Home or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated
by the family.
www.BrenansFH.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Clarissa Patricia Josephine Hurley RN 19202018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Saint John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
