Clara WALKER

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WALKER: It is with much sadness that we, the family of Clara Emily Blanche Walker (nee Dolph) announce her passing on December 11, 2010 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, at the age of 83 years. Clara was born in Fort Francis, Ontario on January 30, 1927. She was the first child born to Elmer and Margaret Dolph. Sadly, Clara lost her mother at a very young age and because her father worked at various logging camps as a logger, Mom was raised in EMO and Fort Frances, Ontario by her foster parents Mabel and Cliff Gordon. She received her early education at Robert Moore Public School in Fort Francis. She was a summer housekeeper for Dr. and Mrs. Hardy in Ontario. In the 1940's, Mom started a nursing program and in 1947, she came to Brandon as part of the program. She met a handsome young soldier at theValentine's Dance which was held at the Orange Hall in Brandon. After a very brief courtship, Clara and George were married in Fort Francis, Ontario on April 23, 1947; honeymooned at Niagara Falls, then returned to Brandon to start their life together at 639 Franklin Street. Mom spent many years raising her own children in the East End of Brandon and then at Kemnay. She worked at the Provincial Gaol as a matron as well as having various housekeeping positions in Brandon including at "Rainbow Motor Inn" and "1 and 10 Motel", to supplement family income and to allow her kids to participate in activities. She retired as a Correctional Officer for the Brandon Correctional Institute due to health reasons. Mom and Dad were married for over forty-four years before Dad's passing away on January 4, 1992. Mom and Dad volunteered at many activities that their kids were involved in and were definitely our biggest fans. Mom loved music and dancing. She created beautiful needlework and spent hours sewing clothes for her growing family. She enjoyed playing bingo, card games and of course Yahtzee, as well as travelling and family gatherings. She volunteered formany community events such as the 1976 Jeux Canada Winter Games. Mom belonged to several organizations including: East End Community Centre, Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion, Georgettes Baton Twirling Club, Sportsmans Park Flea Markets and Brandon Farmers' Market. Mom was a member of Grand Valley Community Church and faith became a huge part of her life after the passing of Dad. On May 4, 2005, she was baptized to reconfirm her belief in Jesus Christ as her Savior. On December 11, 2010 she went home to heaven where she no longer will be in pain or have tears of sorrow. Clara is survived by her children: Ron (Elsie) Walker, Arlo Walker, Collin (Vicky) Walker, Evelyn (Bob) Andrews, Arlyn (Abe) Wiebe, Brenda (Tom) Hobor, Robert Walker (Lorraine), Karl (Brenda) Walker and Paula Walker (Ron Mott). Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She leaves behind a sister Mildred Caul and foster sister Vera Croswell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband George Walker, parents Margaret and Elmer Dolph, foster parents Cliff and Mabel Gordon, brother Arthur and sister-in-law Pauline Dolph. The Funeral Service was held at Grand Valley Community Church on Saturday, December 18, 2010. Rev. Tim Clark officiated. Honorary Pallbearers were Wes Turner, Christopher Kitchen, Stephen Walker and Ryan Walker. Active Pallbearers were Robert Walker, Abe Wiebe, Bill Lyon, Andrew Walker, Rick Sylvestre and Ryan Corrigal. Interment followed in the Brandon Cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3, 824 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 5B7, Canadian Diabetes Association, Office B, 727 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4G7 or to Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for Western MB Cancer Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 08, 2011