Obituary of Claire Susan Stephens (nee Chalmers)

October 14, 1979 - Calgary, Alberta

June 16, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Claire was born in Calgary, AB, on October 14, 1979. She passed away and went to her paradise on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Calgary, after a five-year battle with breast cancer.

Claire meant so much to so many. To her husband Todd, she was his inspiration, his rock, his best friend, and the love of his life. To her sweet son Torren, she was his number one fan, his protector, and the inheritor of her joyful heart and “cheeky” spunky spirit! To her chosen children, Gia and Denolm, Claire personified unconditional love and support when they needed it most.

Claire’s family meant the world to her. They are a very close-knit unit and make efforts to spend lots of quality time together. Claire was the first-born child to her devoted parents, Stuart and Anne Chalmers; the cherished big sister of her brothers, Dave (Lindz), Peter (Katie), and Andrew (Danni); and the adored Auntie Claire to her beloved nieces and nephews, Max, Olivia, Roen, and McCoy.

Claire had so many other very special people in her life, including her extended family in Canada and abroad, and an extensive list of cherished friends. She was surrounded by people who cared for her always - a true testament to the person she was.

Claire impacted people around her profoundly, often in very subtle ways. Just being in her presence had a way of grounding those around her and invoking a sense of calm, even in those who had only known her for a very short time. She was an exceptionally intuitive and authentic person who left a lasting impression on so many people she met. For those who knew her best, she leaves behind the gift of a lifetime to treasure always - a palpable sense of quiet and uncomplicated joy.

While subtle and subdued in many respects, Claire was anything but complacent. She was also a determined and steadfast woman who was committed to what she held dear. She was quick to protect those she loved and advocated for them tenaciously. If problems could be resolved with a call, she made it. If a book held answers, she read it. She was an endless source of inspiration to others and undoubtedly will continue to be so indefinitely. She was thoughtful and caring; placing painted rocks on the pathway of others to brighten their day is the quintessential stuff of Claire. Claire was resourceful and savvy (and at times, a little bit cheeky!). She knew how to make things happen and rarely hesitated to get started. Claire didn’t waste time, she spent it on what mattered to her.

Claire embodied the concept of carpe diem - sometimes in grand ways - never shying away from an opportunity for adventure (pre-planned vacations or impromptu getaways planned on the fly), and other times with small gestures that made the little moments of life more sweet (sipping tea from a different cup with a different story every morning, taking the time to savour a sunset, play a board game, solve a jigsaw puzzle, or getting all-decked-out for a crazy costume party). She made a conscious effort to rarify moments and invest in “making memories”. Claire always seemed keenly aware of how special life is and made a point of savouring it.

Claire was passionate about photography and in her free time, she loved golfing with her friends, going on walks with her beloved family and dogs, doing anything outdoors, making crafts, and doing yoga. She invested time into developing many different sides of herself and was always a forward-looking free spirit and ready to try something new. One can’t help but wonder what she is up to next. It will be spectacular.

A Celebration of Claire’s Life will be held at the Earl Grey Golf Club (6540 20 St SW, Calgary, AB T3E 5L2) on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Claire’s family here.

In living memory of Claire Stephens, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.