Obituary of Edith Mary McClare

of Hillsvale, Hants County, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Grand View Manor, Berwick, at the age of 90. Edith was born on March 29, 1935 and was a daughter of the late Walter Brett (1961) and Ethel Lillian (Forrest) Fletcher (2003).

Edith grew up and attended grade school in Newport Corner, finishing grades 10 - 12 in Windsor. After graduation she accepted an interim teaching position in East Uniacke, followed by clerical and hotel work in Windsor.

She married Edwin in 1955 and they raised their four children in Hillsvale. She loved to socialize, dance and was never one to refuse an invitation. She loved to have a project on the go and her talent for planning made for memorable family gatherings and magical Christmas celebrations. Especially important to her were her brothers, sisters and in-laws on both sides, McClare and Fletcher.

Exemplifying her leadership skills, Edith served two terms (1968-69) as a provincial president of the Women's Institute, was a 4-H leader and a garden club member. During her active membership with the South Rawdon Baptist Church her natural ability to organize was deeply valued, planning church events and suppers (so many suppers).

In the 1970’s Edith expanded her traditional role as wife and mother and entered the professional workforce. Determined, she attended night school to upgrade her high school credentials, followed by secretarial and keypunch training. Most of her working career was spent as a data entry supervisor for the provincial government.

After retirement she turned her focus to books, gardens and love of travel, including a solo trip to Australia. She was a ferocious reader and often sacrificed sleep to finish a good book. Edith was an avid gardener. She and Eddie took great pride in their Hillsvale property. “The love of gardening is a seed, once sown, that never dies” and that love inspires us all.

Following Eddie’s passing, Edith moved herself to Gladys Manning in Windsor (2010), where she continued to enjoy a good read into the quiet hours of the night, puzzles and sharing old and new friendships around the card table.

In 2023 Edith was moved to Grand View Manor long term care, where her warmth, humour and kind nature were appreciated. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the staff for their loving care and exceptional kindness.

Edith is survived by her children, Beverly McClare, Grand Pre; Glenda (Gene) Pavelich, Harmony Road, Kings Co; Lorraine (Andy) Vernon, Millerville, AB and Peter (Christine) McClare, Newport Corner; grandchildren, Nicole (Peter) Kennedy and Robert Vernon; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Anna Kennedy; sisters-in-law, Edith Paul and Doreen (on the McClare side); foster brothers, Eric (Velma) Hope and Jimmy (Liz) Francis and brother-in-law, Owen (Rita) LaPierre (on the Fletcher side).

Besides her parents, Edith was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Edwin “Eddie” (2008); sisters, Lillian LaPierre (1993) and Edna Lantz (2004); brothers, Doug Fletcher (2002) and Harold Fletcher (2017); foster brother, Stephen Kerr (1989).

Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A private family graveside service will be held at South Rawdon Baptist Church Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Thursday April 2, in Horton Ridge Malt House, 2504 Ridge Rd., Hortonville. Donations in memory of Edith may be made to South Rawdon Baptist Church, 22 Cross Road 3, South Rawdon, NS B0N 1Z0. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.