Clara May Howden (Schochenmaier)
She was born on August 21, 1931 in Coronation Alberta, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022 at Agecare Skypointe Calgary at the Age of 91. Clara grew up on the family farm outside of Fleet (Lucerne) with her parents Ester and Paul Schochenmaier (deceased) and brothers Clarence (deceased), Leonard (deceased) and youngest sister Elaine. Clara worked hard with her family as conveniences were non-existent and horses were used for the farm crops and travel to and from school. Clara attended nursing school, was certified in Calgary and worked in the field before marrying John Howden in 1958. Clara and John raised their 3 children on their family farm in the Kersey district west of Beiseker. Mom grew beautiful gardens and cooked healthy, nutritious farm meals while shuttling us to Brownies, Cubs, swim lessons, hockey and school functions. John and Clara’s children are grateful for the loving home they were raised in from both parents. Mom was involved with service clubs “Order of the Eastern star” and “United Church Women” both of Irricana. Mom loved music and self taught herself organ, accordion and guitar. She threw her heart and soul into playing her instruments during any small amounts of “me time”. At the age of 32 she took an art class in oil brush painting and this became her passion. For the next 55 years she commissioned, sold or gifted hundreds of canvas, cream can and painted rocks. Nature, scenery, flowers and old buildings were her specialty. She taught art lessons locally and in her senior years won medals in summer games for her art and notably won first in the Dominion level. In 2001, John passed away and mom moved to Airdrie shortly after. She enjoyed senior’s clubs, art guilds and the companionship of a new partner, Jim Shave, who she met in 2004. Jim was an enthusiastic supporter of Clara’s art habit, carrying and transporting mom’s art to shows and sales. Jim became another important member of our family and they enjoyed many years together camping, sharing their families and enjoying each other’s company. In 2017 Clara and Jim moved to Rockyview Lodge in Crossfield and enjoyed Lodge Life together. In 2021 health conditions separated mom and Jim. Our dear Jim passed away August 24, 2022, 3 days before mom’s death.
Clara will be lovingly and forever missed by her dear sister Elaine Robin (Schochenmaier) and Clara and John’s 3 children; Daughter Cathy (Brad) Reboul and Son’s Grant (Lisa) Howden and Brian Howden. Clara was one of many grandma’s to grandchildren; Jamie (Jon Berlie) Reboul, Sarah (Chris) Robidoux Reboul, Bradie (Brandy Evans) Reboul, Derek (Mark Flynn) Howden and Mark (Stephanie) Howden and was a great grandmother to Brandyn (Bradie and Brandy) Reboul and Rowan and Ethan (Sarah and Chris) Robidoux.
No Memorial and a private Graveside at Crossfield Cemetery in future as per Clara’s wishes.
A Craftsmans Creed
All of the fine traditions and the skill
Are mine to use to raise my craft renown
And mine to teach again with reverent will
Thus do I love to serve
With fingers that are masters of the tool
-anon
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clara May Howden August 27th 2022..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Airdrie, Province: Alberta