Clara Lauder
August 21st, 2012
Born in London, England in 1918 Mum passed away peacefully August 21, 2012. Mum was predeceased by her husband, Tom Lauder in 1997 and her sister Vera. She is survived and will be missed by her daughters: Gillian (Joe) Hartz, Sheena (Bob) Johnson and her son, Stewart (Sheryl) Lauder; her grandchildren: Christopher, Danielle, Shane, Chad, and great grandson Caiden. She also leaves behind her sister Dot and many nieces and nephews in England and Scotland.
Mum, three kids in tow, left Scotland and followed Tom to Canada in 1957, settling in North Vancouver. Upon retirement, Mum and Dad moved to Langley where Mum remained until returning to North Vancouver in 2005. Mum always lived life to the fullest, doing things as she liked, never letting anything stand in her way. She enjoyed her many activities, in particular her involvement with Sons of Scotland and of late, spending time at Mollie Nye House where she enjoyed both the people and their many fun activities. Clare’s passion was travel and she was always at her happiest when she was packing her bags for yet another adventure. Always cheerful and generous, honest and hard-working, she endeared herself to all who met her and made many friends throughout her life.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff of the The Harrison at Elim Village in Surrey for their kind and loving care of our Mum in her final days. They went above and beyond. There will be a family gathering in celebration of Mum’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
On behalf of Corinne Robinson and the Tai Chi Class at Mollie Nye House in North Vancouver, I would like to send our condolences to Clare's family. We miss her cheerful smile and her sense of humour. She inspired us with her interest in people and in the world around her. It was not very long ago that she was taking the bus to class and telling us as she arrived what adventures she had on the way! People would not believe her age when they found out how what it was. We are sad to hear that she is gone, but are relieved that her decline was so short.
Clare even though I have known you for such a short while I have found you to be a very caring and lovely person.
Although I didn't know you for too long, I was very impressed with what I saw. I'll miss the talkative lady with the English accent that surprised everyone with her sharp mind. You lived life to the fullest and were an inspiration to all that met you. Here's to a life well lead!
Well, Mum never gave up from the very begining, well my begining anyway. Mum was determined to have a son and didn't stop trying until I was born. She did give me two older sisters with her efforts though, Sheena and Gillian. Many a time she would tell stories of her life as a youth and in the British army and she was as lively near her end as she was as a young woman. She must have been a great lady to attract such a great man as my father (Tom). Her great attitude to life and many travels and adventures made her the lovable lady she was. I have never seen a bigger smile on her face as her heart lit up when I brought my now wife Sheryl to meet her for the first time. A look I shall always remember. Mum was a lady who told it as it was, you always knew where you stood with her, a trait she instilled in me. Mum was a fighter to the end and fortunately she passed quickly after a very breif battle with congestive heart failure, but she always had a loving heart. She will be missed by many, especially me. Love you Mum.
My condolences to the children and grandchildren of Clara. I met Clare through the many activities in which she was involved at Mollie Nye House - Coffee Talk, the Short Walk Group, Drive and Dine, etc. What a bright light she was, always cheerful and enthusiastic adding joy to any gathering she was part of. She has left us all with many beautiful memories. May your memories be a comfort to you.
Our thoughts are with you
Well, there she goes again: off on another adventure. This time the final one and this time to meet up again with Dad. Mum lived a long, happy and full life. Then the end came surprisingly suddenly and quickly. Then again, Mum was always one to get on with things. She had an instinctive ability to know what was right for her and made decisions quickly. She also had an amazing ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Once she recognized that change was necessary, she took the required action. A decision was no sooner made than it was implemented - patience was not one of Mum’s virtues. How often have I heard her say “for goodness sake, get on with it”! And it seems that’s what she did this time. No, patience was not one of her virtues but she had many others to compensate. Among them integrity, a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility, generosity, kindness, cheerfulness, caring and a sense of humour. Not a bad example for the rest of us to follow! These traits endeared her to all she met, both at home and abroad. And she was often abroad – how she loved to travel! In addition to a few souvenirs, she often returned with a few new friends. I am fortunate to have shared two journeys with Mum – one week in Mexico and almost four weeks in Britain and Germany. How I cherish those memories! Her other passion was music. She loved the light classics and what she called “real music”. A few good tenors or a session of Andre Rieu’s Orchestra and she was in heaven. Now it is over. Her decline was mercifully short – only three months with serious limitations on her activities and only a few days at the very end. She rapidly endeared herself to the wonderful caring staff in the nursing home during her short stay there. So now, in the words of her favourite song by her favourite singer, Andrea Bocelli, it is “Time To Say Good-bye”. Good-bye Mum. Bon Voyage!
-in memory of Sister Clair Lauder Sons of Scotland British Columbia District 16 We are saddened by the loss of Past Chief Sister Clair Lauder;she had been a long time member of our Assocation. Clair served as Chief of Seaforth Camp in North Vancouver, she also served as District Secretary. Clair later joined Fraser Glen Camp in Chillwack,who will be Drape the Charter in Memory of Clair at their Past Chiefs Night on Tuesday October 2nd. Clair was one of those people you felt blessed to know,even if you had not seen her for a year or more you got a big smile and a hug, it was like you had just spoke to her last week. Clair You will be missed. Our Condolences go out to Gillian, Sheena, Stewart, and thier Families at this time of loss. John Todd. District Chief.