Clara Marie Sullivan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother Clara Marie Sullivan who died on August 27, 2012 at Blenheim Community Village after a long fruitful life. She was in her 100^th year. Clara was born March 11, 1913 in Pain Court, daughter of the late Alphy King (Roy) and Olivia (Caron). She was the dear wife of Thomas W. Sullivan for nearly 60 years before his death in 1994. They started their life together in Tilbury East Township before moving to the Communication Road (RR 5, Blenheim) and later to RR 3, Blenheim where they farmed for many years. Clara and Thomas were blessed with three children: Betty Ann (Henry) Lister of Windsor, Ronald (JoAnne) and Robert (Beth) both of RR 3, Blenheim.

Clara was proud of, and will be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren: Tom (Lori) Lister, Mary Lynn (Mark) Santavy, Gerry (Martha) Sullivan, Karen Sullivan, Michael (Debbie) Sullivan, Ronald (Leanne) Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick (Beth) Sullivan, Christine (Christopher) Chapman and Brian Sullivan. Eighteen Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild. She was the oldest child in her family. She is survived by her sister Rita Burke of Chatham; sisters-in-law Irma King of Pain Court, Olive Bradley of Chatham and Irene Sullivan Vella-Zarb of Prairie Siding. She is predeceased by brother Roland (Cecile) King, Gerald King, and sister Pauline (Gerald) Gagner and infant sister, Laurentia, and brothers-in-law Donald Burke, Gerald and Leo Sullivan, Jim Bradley and sister-in-law Mae (Hilliard) Jubenville. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

In their later years Tom and Clara enjoyed many happy winters in Lake Worth, Florida where they made new friends over the years. The church played an important and major role in Clara’s life. She was active and a lifetime member of the Catholic Women’s League in Blenheim and Erieau, working tirelessly on numerous projects. A must part of Clara’s day was saying the Rosary through much of her life. For years Clara helped on the farm and tended to her gardens (she loved flowers) and her household chores.

The family would like to thank the staff at Blenheim Community Village for the tender care over the past 12 years. Mother would often say “this is my home”. The staff made her feel comfortable in “her home”. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Perkin.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home Wednesday August 29,2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Prayers will be offered at 7pm. Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Anne of the Lakes Church in Erieau on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 11 am. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be Tom Lister, Gerry Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Ron Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan and Brian Sullivan. Donations to the Blenheim Food Bank or the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund would be appreciated.