Pearl CLUNIE

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CLUNIE: Pearl Thurza Clunie (nee Burdett). It is with great sorrow, but even greater thanksgiving for a wonderful life, lived with much love, laughter and grace, that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Mum, Granny and Great Granny, on August 7, 2016. Pearl was the second born of Ernest and Thurza Burdett, on October 11, 1918 in Foxwarren, Manitoba. In her youth, she was an accomplished scholar, poet, public speaker and athlete. Upon her graduation from high school, she left home to attend Teacher’s College in Winnipeg. Teaching was, for her, truly a vocation and a passion. She has touched the lives of countless students, who experienced encouragement and success under her caring and expert tutelage. She, herself, remained a life-long learner with an endless enthusiasm for knowledge. As a young, beginning teacher, Pearl took a post in a one-room school house in Crestview, north of Swan River. She brought a vibrance and vitality to her position and to the community and, for the rest of her life, she spoke warmly of those first students, some of whom became life-long friends. It was there that she met the love of her life, a quiet, handsome Scot who shared her passion for the written word, and whose kindness and honesty were the perfect complement to her own. During harvest time, on August 21, 1940, Pearl married John Clunie in a simple ceremony on her parents’ farm, then spent a brief honeymoon in Winnipeg, before returning to Swan River. After the birth of their son, Bruce Gordon, they left Swan River to return to Pearl’s hometown and to build a life together, for their family, in Foxwarren. They welcomed two more children, Edna Lorraine and Heather Lori and enjoyed a happy and loving home for the rest of their married life. Mum returned to teaching, took on the position of librarian, served on the board of Westminster United Church, of the Foxwarren Leisure Centre and gave of herself to friends, family and community with her characteristic dedication. Pearl was predeceased by her husband, John, in 1995 and missed him every day, thereafter. She also grieved the loss of her younger sister, Edith Miller, and of her parents. She is survived by her remaining siblings, Blanche Falloon, Arthur and Earl Burdett. She is deeply missed by her children, Bruce & Phyllis Clunie, Edna and Paul Huska, and Heather and Mo Karrouze. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren, in whom she delighted, have wonderful memories of Granny and Great Granny. Those still to come, will be taught, tenderly, of the lovely, witty and wise woman who would have loved them so. We are deeply grateful for the friendship of Mum’s friends at Lions Manor in Brandon, where she lived for the last ten years. Although leaving her childhood home was a challenge made necessary by her failing vision, always one to participate in and contribute to community, she embraced her Brandon home with her usual positive attitude and exuberance for new experiences. We wish to express our sincerest thanks to our Foxwarren community for their steadfast friendship and support. Special gratitude to Dr. Elzane Benade for her kindest care and compassion for our mum and for us, as well. Bonnie and Noreen of the Palliative Care Unit were our angels on earth during Mum’s last few days. Thank you so much. We are also sincerely moved by the many expressions of condolence received and touched by your genuine sharing in our sorrow at the loss of a “great lady.”Our dearest Pearl is in the light of her Creator and, most surely, in the tender embrace of her love. We will love you forever, and like you for always.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 08, 2016