Clara May Howden
August 27th, 2022
Clara May Howden (Schochenmaier)
She was born on August 21, 1931 in Coronation Alberta, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022 at Agecare Skypointe Calgary at the Age of 91. Clara grew up on the family farm outside of Fleet (Lucerne) with her parents Ester and Paul Schochenmaier (deceased) and brothers Clarence (deceased), Leonard (deceased) and youngest sister Elaine. Clara worked hard with her family as conveniences were non-existent and horses were used for the farm crops and travel to and from school. Clara attended nursing school, was certified in Calgary and worked in the field before marrying John Howden in 1958. Clara and John raised their 3 children on their family farm in the Kersey district west of Beiseker. Mom grew beautiful gardens and cooked healthy, nutritious farm meals while shuttling us to Brownies, Cubs, swim lessons, hockey and school functions. John and Clara's children are grateful for the loving home they were raised in from both parents. Mom was involved with service clubs "Order of the Eastern star" and "United Church Women" both of Irricana. Mom loved music and self taught herself organ, accordion and guitar. She threw her heart and soul into playing her instruments during any small amounts of “me time”. At the age of 32 she took an art class in oil brush painting and this became her passion. For the next 55 years she commissioned, sold or gifted hundreds of canvas, cream can and painted rocks. Nature, scenery, flowers and old buildings were her specialty. She taught art lessons locally and in her senior years won medals in summer games for her art and notably won first in the Dominion level. In 2001, John passed away and mom moved to Airdrie shortly after. She enjoyed senior's clubs, art guilds and the companionship of a new partner, Jim Shave, who she met in 2004. Jim was an enthusiastic supporter of Clara's art habit, carrying and transporting mom's art to shows and sales. Jim became another important member of our family and they enjoyed many years together camping, sharing their families and enjoying each other's company. In 2017 Clara and Jim moved to Rockyview Lodge in Crossfield and enjoyed Lodge Life together. In 2021 health conditions separated mom and Jim. Our dear Jim passed away August 24, 2022, 3 days before mom's death.
Clara will be lovingly and forever missed by her dear sister Elaine Robin (Schochenmaier) and Clara and John’s 3 children; Daughter Cathy (Brad) Reboul and Son's Grant (Lisa) Howden and Brian Howden. Clara was one of many grandma's to grandchildren; Jamie (Jon Berlie) Reboul, Sarah (Chris) Robidoux Reboul, Bradie (Brandy Evans) Reboul, Derek (Mark Flynn) Howden and Mark (Stephanie) Howden and was a great grandmother to Brandyn (Bradie and Brandy) Reboul and Rowan and Ethan (Sarah and Chris) Robidoux.
No Memorial and a private Graveside at Crossfield Cemetery in future as per Clara’s wishes.
A Craftsmans Creed
All of the fine traditions and the skill
Are mine to use to raise my craft renown
And mine to teach again with reverent will
Thus do I love to serve
With fingers that are masters of the tool
-anon
Messages:
Clara and John Howden are both a very happy part of my childhood memories, I spent a lot of time with Cathy and Grant as a child and fondly remember dear Clara. Clara was a fun lady who was artistic and full of joy! My mother Verna recalls Clara as one of her best friends! Wishing you all peace at this time, sending love and most sincere condolences. Mary (Kirkwold) Dunkley
We met Clara through Jim and greatly enjoyed visits with them. Clara was a kind, loving and talented lady. Our condolences to her family.
I will always cherish the memories of Auntie Clara, her kindness and love of art will always be remembered. Many visits between Mom and Dad and Clara and Uncle Johns we’re always fun and fond memories. Rest In Peace Love always,and condolences to the family and friends .
My sincere condolences to Clara’s family on her passing.
To a life well lived resting now in peace, we send our warmest blessings and condolences to the family. With our love - Eric and Mary Berlie
I will miss my big sister always and forevermore. I will miss the camping trips and togetherness. We had a true bond of interests and friendship from the time I can remember. She always shared with me and entertained me from the time I was little. I was so very rewarded with her in my life. Rest high upon that mountain.
I’m so glad that Clara lived a full and happy life! I will always cherish our visits to the family farm and the cousin times we had. She was an amazing artist and her love of many things were brought to life in her paintings. May she live on in all of our hearts!
As a former neighbour of Clara and John we want to send our condolences to the family. Clara was a wonderful artist and I still have some she painted for me. Jeany, Garry and Lynn Poffenroth