Obituary Overview
In Loving Memory
Margaret CLAIRE Bowers (nee Bailey), died peacefully on July 25, 2018 in her sleep after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
A private family service officiated by Reverend Jack Roberts will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 followed by a Celebration of Life from 1 – 3 pm at the home of her daughter Kim for all extended family and friends.
Claire was born in Toronto on January 2, 1935 and from the very start she was a force to be reckoned with.
Claire started early in her life reaching for and achieving her dreams and goals. As a very young girl she spent many hours each week commuting solo on the bus from her Scarborough home to the downtown dance studio, practiced hard and performed with gusto becoming a very accomplished tap dancer.
She met the love of her life, the late Roy F Bowers, at the age of 13, married at age 18, spent a few years working as a switchboard operator for Bell Canada then began her first career as a stay-at-home Mom. After spending many years ruling the roost at home and once all her children where in school full time, Claire set her sights on achieving bigger and better goals in the world of work.
Claire ‘s opportunity to begin what became a very rewarding and fulfilling career in education was landing the position of receptionist to the Executive Officers in the former Scarborough Board of Education. They recognized immediately that Claire had a special gift and encouraged her to complete her teaching certificate. She leapt at the chance and attended Toronto Teachers College the very last year you could do so with a Grade 13 education.
Claire started her teaching career at age 35 at Highland Creek Public School and completed her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees at the University of Toronto while teaching full time. Not one to be stopped, Claire completed her Principal Qualifications and ended her career in education as an Elementary School Principal.
Claire was an exceptional role model for the generations of females in our family and many others whose lives she touched. Her endless determination, strong independence and feisty spirit will live with us forever. And she made the best lemon meringue pie!
Claire was a cherished friend of the Oakridge Girls, Port Perry Bridge Ladies and the Highland “Creekers”. She was a tireless volunteer at St. John’s Anglican Church in Blackstock.
Claire was heartbroken when her dear Roy passed away May 31, 2018. She was not only his lifelong partner but also his loving caregiver in the last few years. Inseparable for almost 65 years of marriage, Claire and Roy loved the cottage life at Lake Scugog, travelling of any kind and were avid Blue Jay and Maple Leaf fans. Claire was so looking forward to the upcoming Leafs season!
Claire loved her family and is survived by and greatly missed by her children Kenneth (friend Marilyn), Kimberley (partner Ray) and Scott (wife Lisa). Her wonderful grandchildren Holly (Luke), Kurtis (Jenny), Lindsay (Andrew), Thomas (Mariangel) and Brenda (Daniel) love her to the moon and back. Claire will be remembered always by her family, many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Claire is preceded in death by her older brother, Ross. Claire’s family is indebted to all the staff at Orchard Villa Retirement Community for providing her a caring, loving home.
In lieu of flowers, a donation made in Claire’s name to the Toronto Zoo – Educational Programming would be a wonderful tribute.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Margaret Claire Bowers 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Ajax, Province: Ontario