Dear Holly and family,

I'm so sorry to find out about your Mom's passing in June. She was a very kind and caring person to our family. Even though my mother, Anne was her aunt, they grew up like sisters. Wishing you and your family much peace and good memories.

Sincerely, JoAnne Allison (Senior)

Hello Holly, my most sincere sympathy to you and family on the passing of your mother. Irene was a very, very special lady. Your words in The Obituary describe your mother to perfection. I worked in the Classified Department at The Herald, we shared many happy chats and fun bowling nights. Johnny would always arrive to take Irene home and the love they shared in their smiles, I will always remember.

We (you and I) met at the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, when your father was inducted - a memorable event.

Friends like Irene are always in your heart, loving thoughts, take good care. Shirley Blackburn

Holly, My condolences to you and your family. Your Mom was a very special lady - and I had the privilege to call her my friend. We lost touch over the last few years as my Dad fell ill (he passed away in May), but I thought of Irene often and I come across the many gifts, card and letters written in her lovely penmanship, we shared with each other over the years. She truly was a kind and gentle soul. I will remember her always. Take care. Sincerely, Susan

Holly, I was so sorry to read of your mom's passing in The Chronicle Herald this morning. I worked with Irene for many years in accounting at The Herald.

She was so kind and caring to me (and everyone else). I remember she had butterflies taped to the pole by her desk in accounting.

When I got married in 1987 she lent me a special knife for cutting our cake and a feather pen for our guest book. At my bridal shower she gave me towels with butterflies on them and a plate to my china pattern, which she somehow found somewhere! (It was discontinued and impossible to locate, but she did!)

We kept in touch at Christmas for a few years after she moved to Calgary.

A cousin of mine that I am extremely close to grew up with your Aunt Judy Graham, so I would occasionally get updates on your mom.

Holly, your mom was everything you mentioned in her obituary, she was a very special soul.

My sympathies to you and your family.

Dear Holly and Family: I am deeply saddened to hear of Irene's passing. Your parents were an integral part of my father's life and I am so thankful for that. They were truly the finest of people. Please accept my profound condolences, but I know "The Flash" has welcomed her to his arms. Please stay well and know that Irene was special to my heart. God Bless Holly

Dear Holly and family,

I was saddened this morning to read in the Halifax paper of your Mother's passing. Irene was such a beautiful person both physically and spiritually. Your Dad, "The Westville Flash" and she were such special friends to me. I have certainly missed our annual Christmas greetings these past few years,Thinking of you and your family during this sad time.'

Sincerely,

Burton (Russell)

Kentville, Nova Scotia

Friends, it is with a heavy heart I share with you today news of the recent passing of my dear and beloved mother, Irene Louise Clark, who has been a source of strength and inspiration my entire life. Mom lived a long and happy life filled with love, faith and hope and I am grateful she is now at peace and reunited with my Dad, her parents and grandparents, many brothers and sisters and so many other friends and loved ones who made their final journey before her.

My Mom was always my biggest fan - from the day I was born I was her pride and joy. She cheered me on through my early childhood days, through my academic studies (many a paper she typed and retyped for me (long before the days of white-out or computers), to my time as a cub reporter (she kept every clipping from every story), and then my legal studies, my marriage to a wonderful man (who became the son she never had and her “rock” after Dad passed) and my professional career that followed. She instilled in me a strong work ethic; as far as my Mom was concerned there was nothing beyond my reach. And she and my father modelled the value of honouring  our roots, respecting the wisdom of our elders and ancestors and putting family ahead of all else.

My mother was a gentle woman of grace and elegance, with a courageous heart and steely determination and fortitude. She was a survivor!

While she and Dad left Nova Scotia for the Wild West when Jon and I started our family, and it was clear we were holding their grandchildren hostage in Calgary, her heart never left Nova Scotia. Yet she embraced her new life in Alberta with gusto, doting on her grandchildren, volunteering at their school, joining the community and our local church (where she continued to fold the bulletins until just recently - even after moving into long-term care), enjoying every Stampede, cheering for the Calgary Flames and seizing every day with joy and gratitude.

Mom cherished every family gathering (of which there were many) and she experienced no greater joy than watching her beloved grandchildren grow into the amazing wonderful people they are. She guided them, cheered them on, celebrated their every milestone and success and she lived to delight in the blessed marriages of Kenzie and Rodney and Chris and Danisha. She was in absolute awe at the miracle of the birth of her great-grandson André.

Life will never be the same without Mom here and yet I know she will be with us always. In 1994 she wrote a poem entitled Fly, Butterly, Fly:

“In the “next world” I hope that I

Can become a beautiful butterfly - In God’s Garden up there above ...

Visiting all the people I love!

Free from worry, strife and care, I’d “flit” about happily way up there.

Such a contrast from life here on Earth, I’m sure that I will rejoice in my rebirth!!!”

~ Trailing Arbutus

Thank you, Mom, for being the best Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother possible. You’ve set the bar high!!!!! We will carry the torch you have passed and we will remember you always, wholeheartedly, with love, admiration and eternal gratitude!!!!!

Friends - Live well. Love much. Laugh often. Carpe Diem!

All my love, always!

Holly