MCDONALD, Sister Mary Clare
(Rosamond Theresa)
of the Order of St. Clare died peacefully in her monastery in Mission, B.C., on January 30th, 2011 at the age of 82. Born in Calgary, AB, on November 13, 1928, she was the third youngest of ten children of Alexander Nelson McDonald from Killarney, Ontario, and Beatrice Traynor, of Owen Sound, ON. She attended Catholic schools and then became a primary grade teacher in the Calgary Catholic School District. Through the encouragement of Fr. Timothy Gilker, OFM, she entered the Poor Clares, then residing in their first home at 1049, 14th Avenue, New Westminster, B.C. She brought her gifts of peace and prayer to all she did throughout her religious life. A true lover and disciple of St. Clare, she inculcated that love to her sisters as novice directress and then as abbess for two double terms. Sr Mary Clare was chosen superior for our foundation in Alexandria, Ontario, in 1994 and was a member of the community there until we closed the house in 2007. Her last years back in her home monastery in Mission were where she patiently bore a lung disease and the loss of her memory through Alzheimer's disease. Foyer Maillard was her home for two months, where she was lovingly looked after. Her quiet sense of humour was with her to the end. Her faithful prayer will surely continue from her merited place in heaven.
Mass of Christian Burial was offered at the church of the Poor Clares, Mission, B.C., on February 3rd at 1:00 p.m. Sister Mary Clare was buried with the Poor Clares in Hatzic Cemetery.