Claire Marie Stephenson (née Marie-Claire Lareau)

Claire passed away in St. Albert, Alberta, with family by her side. Born in Lachine, Quebec, she began life under difficult circumstances—her mother died in childbirth, and she was raised by her maternal grandmother. Despite many years spent in convent school, she found joy and companionship in her cousins and carried a deep love for family throughout her life.

She was smart, hardworking and resourceful, studying at business college and landing a secretarial job at a radio station. She never sat still for long—friends, music, and adventure were always part of her life.

Claire married “the first Englishman she met” and started a family in Toronto. She and her husband raised four children: David, Michèle, Suzie, and Nicky. Though she embraced her new life, she never lost her French-Canadian roots—or quite her accent. In the 1970s, the family moved west and settled in the Edmonton area, where she would remain.

In her single years, Claire’s sense of adventure only grew. She travelled widely—to Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, England, France, the U.S., Bermuda, Trinidad and Columbia and most meaningfully, to Israel. She was stylish, practical, and always ready, with her hair carefully done in her signature auburn. She could stretch a dollar and still show up looking sharp.

Claire spoke four languages—French, English, Hebrew, and Italian—and kept learning and seeking throughout her life. In retirement, her lifelong search for faith led her to become a Messianic Jew, where she embraced Jewish traditions while continuing her pursuit of Jesus. It was a spiritual homecoming she had long awaited.

She drew in people from all walks of life and built lasting friendships that supported and enriched her life. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren stayed close, each with their own bond and stories with her.

Claire was predeceased by her son David and by her dear friend Paul. Her family thanks all who shared in her life and supported her in her later years, including the caring staff at Shepherd’s Care, who became friends too.