Clara Helen (MacNamara) Dearing

Clara Dearing

North Sydney

As we face the January 31, 2019 passing of our cherished "Nanny Dick", more formerly known to others as Clara Dearing, we her children humbly attempt to capture and share the essence of this special, loving woman.  

Born June 19, 1945, Mom was the eldest daughter of the late Billy and Stacia MacNamara - big sister to 11 siblings.  While still a teenager, Mom met Dick Dearing, and that was it for both of them.  They soon married and during 51 years of marriage until Dad's passing in 2016, they stood side by side more often than not, holding hands.  They laughed during the good times and held each other that much tighter when their hearts were breaking.  We were blessed to be raised by true life partners.  

Mom started nurturing loved ones early in life, first with her siblings and then honing that natural ability with her own children, grands, and great grands.  Mom always put family first and we knew that soft words, warm hugs, arm tickles, and most importantly, unwavering love and acceptance, were guaranteed.  Mom would even share her chocolates with those she loved and that was saying something!  She could always be counted on to be there when needed and she never looked for anything in return.  

Clara kept the home fires front and centre while still maintaining a very active life style with Dad - dancing the night away with friends, sailing the waters of the Bras d'Or Lakes on the Drifter with family and friends and also, by serving the larger community.  Countless hours of volunteer work would see her involved with the Northern Yacht Club, the Kinettes, the North Sydney Fire Department and the Miners Memorial Manor.  Even as her body and mind failed, Mom instinctively continued to care for others.  

Although Mom was the mainstay at home, she worked in retail over the years.  She found her niche though when she, Dad, Aunt Molly, and Uncle Dwight started and ran a successful catering business.  After getting rave reviews from feeding her own immediate and extended family and friends, they ventured into this area, providing a welcomed service for many people and businesses who were celebrating milestones and/or holidays.  

Left to remember Clara's loving ways are her daughters Leslie (Russell) Cadwell, Betty Lynn (Paul Johnston); grandchildren Kyle, Courtney, Dylan, MacKenzie, Claralynn, and Colton; great grandchildren Meadow, Eleanor and Ophelia; brothers Butch (Linda), Donnie (Tammy); sisters Brenda (Rick), Heather, Dale, Carol (Blake), Wendy (Rick), Bev; brothers in law Billy, Dwight, Greg (Sylvia), Reg (Joanne); as well as, special aunts and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their favourite aunt, affectionately called "Taba" by some.  

Besides her parents and husband Dick, Clara was predeceased by her son, Bernie, siblings, Frankie, Marie, Molly, in-laws John, Kevin, Don, Betty and Fergie, and Ruth and Bern to whom she was like a second daughter.  

As Mom's activity lessened, one thing was non-negotiable - her weekly trip to Harold's Bakery.  Thanks to the friendly staff who made Mom's little adventure such a pleasure.  We would also like to thank the staff of the Northside General Hospital for their loving care of our mother and us, as Mom was slipping away.   

If heaven is truly what makes you happy, Mom and Dad are feeding those folks who have been waiting for Mom to join them.  She'll be telling anyone who offers to help, "Just sit down

 - we've got this".  We know that with bellies full, a game of queens will soon follow.

Visitation for Mom will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday (today) in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Matthew Wesley United Church, North Sydney with Rev Stephen Mills officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Society.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.

After a lifetime of putting others first, Mom, it is time to let your spirit soar.  We happen to know where you are heading and just the thought of it makes us happy. 

There was a boy, there was a girl...

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