Cecile Veronica Clarke-Lawrence
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Cecile Clarke-Lawrence, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Cecile was born in Jamaica on February 27, 1952, the third child of nine siblings. Her father, Louis Clarke, worked at New Yarmouth Estate Distillery and her mother, Lucille Clarke (nee Donaldson), was a seamstress, homemaker and entrepreneur. Cecile loved music and dancing, family and friends, and excelled in school.
In 1974, Cecile settled in Toronto, Canada and shortly thereafter started a family. She and her husband, Barry, moved the family to Edmonton, Alberta, in 1982 where she tackled a busy family life, a 31 year career with Alberta Health, volunteering with the figure skating and gymnastics clubs, and maintaining relationships from a distance with grace, selflessly giving more than she ever asked for in return. In her retirement, Cecile enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cruises with her best friends and travelling back to her homeland to spend time with friends and family.
On Sunday, March 21, 2021 her short battle with uterine cancer came to an end and we had to say goodbye. Her love, wisdom, compassion, and spirit lives on in all of those she knew and cared for. She was a gift to us all.
Left behind to honour her memory, celebrate her life, and carry on her legacy are: husband Barry "Lloyd" Lawrence; children Nathalie "Nikki" Tait (Sean), Tiffany Whorrie (Ainsworth), and Ashley-Ann Lawrence; grandchildren Lauren Tait, Maya Tait, Amir Whorrie, and Priya Whorrie; brothers Trevor, Louis, and Horace; sisters Joyce, Jean, and Louise; numerous nieces and nephews, godchildren, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her mother, father, and brothers Val and Rowan.
Special thanks to the doctors and staff at the Royal Alexander Hospital and the Roozen Family Hospice Centre for their devoted care and support during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecile’s memory may be made to the Roozen Family Hospice Centre (Pilgrim’s Hospice) in Edmonton.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks and gratitude for all the expressions of kindness and support during this time of sorrow.
A private service will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 10:00am and will be streamed online: https://youtu.be/A8L0kcyD9ds
When the time is right we will all come together to celebrate Cecile, side by side.
My deepest condolences goes out to the entire family and friends of Cecile Clarke. She had so much love that just overflowed wherever she went and onto whoever she touched. She has lived and hath loved… sleep well dear cousin we will meet on the other side🙏🏽🙏🏽
Myself, husband Douglas & daughter Cassandra express our deepest sympathy & love to Barry, Nikki, Tiffany, Ashley & families. Our hearts go out to your beautiful family; you are in our thoughts & prayers.
My heart goes out to you and your family Tiff. Your mom was an amazing woman and will be missed. I’m here if you need anything lady.
Lots of love from The Pregizer’s
In these moments of loss, words are useless. God Rest Her Soul In Peace.
I give my condolences to the entire family 🙏🏿
Charlene and family
Sending love to the whole family
May you continue to trust in god as he will guide and watch over you all during this difficult time. I always loved seeing her around and her humor. Laughing. Loving and living life
Cherish all your memories and allow them to flourish the void you feel blessings to you all
Our love and condolences for your loss of an impressive, beautiful woman.
I admired Cecile for her candour, and I remember her dry wit. Though time and space have kept us apart, memories of working and sharing work life will keep you dear in my mind and heart. My condolences to Barry and her family on your loss.
My deepest condolences to my uncle lloyd and his family rest well my dear you will be miss dearly god have a beautiful angel with that beautiful smile you will be in the front seat rest well honey we love you .RIP
Wishing the family comfort and courage to face the days ahead and memories to last forever. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Lloyd cousin’s Nikki, Ashley and Tiffany far too often families get lost between the shuffle and end up not seeing or speaking to each other only during weddings or far less happy events like funerals. It broke my heart with sadness when hearing the loss of my sweet Cecile your mother and by far one of my favourite relatives. Even though we haven’t spoken in many years I think about you often and cherish our childhood memories and young adulthood and our ONLY visit to Edmonton you were such gracious hosts. Also the times Nikki spent with us in Toronto when you were here on business. Every single memory came flooding in. I don’t want the distance to continue, I’m ill and I don’t want my funeral to be the next time we’re together. I love you all today, tomorrow and forever more.
Love Pat & family
My dear friend gone too soon R.I.P. you went ahead of us. Condolences to your family..
My sincere condolences to the Lawrence family, Cecile will be truly missed. Rest In Peace.
DORRETT Shaw-king and Family. My deepest condolence to the Clarke
and Lawrence family.
My deepest condolence, Cecile I am still in disbelieve.
I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Cecile was one of a kind. I’m praying for comfort and peace for your family and sending you love and hugs.
My sincere condolences to the whole family. I did not know Cecile, but only discovered that we are cousins. I was surprised to know that I had cousins from Jamaica living in Canada. To discover that Cecile lived in Toronto was wonderful and sad at the same time. I live in Toronto and would have had the opportunity to meet her and get to know her. From all that I read, I believe she was a kind and loving soul. May be rest in peace and receive God’s richest blessings. I hope one day to be in touch with some or all of you one day. My contact information is: 647 774 9500.