It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Elinor “Claire” Halvorsen. Claire passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2017 in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hospice Unit surrounded by her family after a very brief illness.
Claire was born May 10, 1927, one of four daughters born to Adele and Dick Chester. She attended local schools, graduating from Hillcrest (Port Arthur Technical Institute) High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Halvorsen. Once Bob was discharged from the Navy at the conclusion of the war, they were married at St. Andrew’s Rectory on October 4, 1947. They were inseparable for the next 63 years until his passing in 2010.
Bob and Claire were the original two parent working family. When Bob started a career working for the Lakehead School Board, Claire was never one to want to sit at home. She took up bookkeeping and office management and worked her entire life, finally retiring in 1995 at the same time as her husband. She proved to be an invaluable asset to many a local business. After a stint working for Steep Rock Iron Company, she began an illustrious career working for local real estate companies. Headway, Willport, Lakewood, Happy Homes, R. J. Fenlon, and finally Team 100 Realty all had the benefit of Claire’s organization, skill and professionalism. So much was she regarded, that as real estate agents left firms to start their own, they always took Claire along with them to be their office manager. She was most fond and grateful for her time at Team 100 Realty; working alongside Wil Salo, Denis Gauthier, and Harry Chapman.
Claire enjoyed many “road trips” across the country with her husband Bob, and they both attended many performances at the Community Auditorium. She also enjoyed her home and flower gardens, her cottage at Surprise Lake, and she dearly loved her weekly dinner outings with her only grandchild Andrea. Most recently she looked forward to her weekly Thursday get together at the St. Joseph’s Care Group Day Program. She very much appreciated her special friendship with Ruth Cahill.
Claire is survived by her son Robert (Charmaine), granddaughter Andrea, Tim and Alicia (Stella) Miller, Lisa and Brad (Amelie and Nora) Doff, Laura Miller. She is also survived by her sister Betty Baccari, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Claire was predeceased by her husband Bob (October 27, 2010), her parents, Dick and Adele Chester, her mother-in-law Rebekka Halvorsen, sister and brother-in-law Audrey and Andy Spooner, sister Avril Parsons.
Claire enjoyed 89 good years of health, happiness, and independence in her own home that her husband built in 1963. She put up a brave front these last six years, as we all knew she missed her husband dearly. We take solace that they are now together again.
Cremation has taken place, and funeral services for the late Claire Halvorsen will be held on Thursday February 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Harold Hunt. Services will conclude in the chapel. A private family interment will take place in St. Andrew’s Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Foundation, designated to the Hospice Unit.
