Bathurst - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Sevante Lethbridge, which occurred on Saturday April 13th, 2024, at Chaleur Regional Hospital. Claire died with her family by her side following a brief illness. She had just turned 57 years old in March.
Claire was born in Portsmouth, England and spent her first eight years in the small village of Denmead. Claire arrived in Canada in 1975, where she made Bathurst, New Brunswick, her home for the rest of her life.
Claire was blessed in life to have the ardent unwavering support and adoring love of her mother and father. Mummy insisted, at all times and in all situations, that Claire be treated like any other member of the family and community. There were no exceptions to this rule, as many people with a lesser understanding of Down Syndrome found out.
Because of this approach, Claire enjoyed the most normal upbringing possible. During her formative years, Claire attended the Flowers of Hope School, before going on to Chalmers and Bathurst High School. More recently, Claire attended the Best Group, enjoying activities with her peers. However, as with much of life, this was halted due to Covid-19.
Claire loved her McDonald’s birthday parties growing up. These were an annual highlight and were always preceded by bowling at the Bowlarama, where she revelled in the excitement of all her fellow partygoers, including her closest school friends, Richard Dube and David Gagnon.
Claire was very energetic growing up. She was happy to walk for miles at a time, and often struck out ahead of the family on our regular walks or went exploring a little further afield on her own. A couple of her sporting achievements included practising ballet for several years and ascending Mount Carleton with her family, the highest peak in New Brunswick, in her teens.
Claire adored food and was a true connoisseur of desserts. This got her in more trouble during life than practically any other minor indiscretion. However, regardless of the consequence, she always found it worth the trouble. Nothing could ever stop her from enjoying those glorious sweets, which sometimes included those of her brothers, when the opportunity presented itself.
Claire loved music above all else and nothing made her happier than listening to CKBC radio and later Bounce, always accompanied with her knotted skipping rope keeping time. Claire spent so many days soaking up the tunes that, thanks to her incredible memory, she could name practically any singer or song that sounded on her radio during much of the last quarter of the 20th century. Kenny Rogers was her favourite.
Claire was gentle and pure, with an infectious giggle that let those around her know she was enjoying the moment. Claire embodied all that is bright in this life, shining her true self on all that knew her. This included demonstrating an exceptionally nurturing side and maternal instinct. She connected easily with people and her community, leaving all with lasting memorable impressions. We are richer for knowing her and benefitted from what she taught us.
Claire was predeceased by her mother Sylvia, over 30 years ago; and also by her Uncle Alan and Uncle John.
Claire’s love and gentle spirit were cherished by all and will be especially missed by her father Richard, her brothers Timothy (Tamara), Jeremy (Lindsay), Jonathan (Emilie) and Nicholas (Lindsay), eight adoring nieces and nephews (all of whom Claire lovingly cradled in their infancy), her dear Auntie Val (sister of Sylvia) and many other friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank Alvina Allain, who provided Claire with a loving home for over 20 years. Claire’s quality of life was superb during this time, as Claire benefited from both the compassion and care of Alvina, including her immediate and extended family, along with that of Claire’s own family.
We would also like to thank Dr. Eddy and the kind nurses on the palliative unit at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, who provided compassionate care to Claire during her last days.
A memorial service will be held in Bathurst at St. Georges Anglican Church on May 25, 2024, at 2pm. There will be a reception after the service to share memories of Claire.
Donations in memory of Claire, please consider a donation to InclusionNB in support of community members with intellectual disabilities living throughout New Brunswick.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.
