Obituary of Eleanor Marion Clarke

Obituary of Eleanor Marion Clarke  1931-2023

With sadness in our hearts and fond and loving memories we announce the passing of our dear mother Eleanor M. Clarke, surrounded by her family, on May 12^th, 2023 at the age of 92.

Eleanor was born May 4^th, 1931 in Scarborough ON to parents Edna Mae Cowan (Jennings) and William (Bill) Cowan where her parents ran the Malvern General Store. Mom moved to Markham in 1954 when she married George Clarke. They separated in 1997 and she continued to live in the family home until 2021 when her health declined, and she moved to Swan Lake retirement home.

Eleanor was a devoted mother to her 4 children, Jane (Robert) Lewis, Carol Ann (Stephen) Ryan, Alan (Gwen) Clarke and Donald Clarke.  She was grandmother to Stephanie, Kevin, Colin, Leslie, Sean (predeceased), Brandon, Lindsey, Hailey and great grandmother to Alexander.  Lovingly remembered by Sue Clarke.

Eleanor shared an exceptionally strong bond with her 4 Cowan sisters, Christina Hunter, Margaret Tapscott, Marie Reesor and Ruth Wood (Predeceased).  She had a very close friendship with her brother-in-law Ashmore Reesor in later years.  Mom’s phone line was always busy! Thank goodness Bell didn’t charge by the minute!  She stayed in touch with her sisters daily, and family and friends.

Mom vacationed on Cameron Lake for more than 80 years where her parents had taken her and her sisters as children.  All 5 sisters later purchased cottages on this lake where they raised their families and and we all lovingly became the “Cousins of Cameron Lake”.

Eleanor loved animals especially her dogs Buster, Muffin, Laddie, and all her children’s dogs.  She loved to cook and never let anyone go home hungry.  She made the most amazing lemon meringue pies!

Mom’s passion in later years was gardening and she loved to take “little slips” from plants so that she could make them her own, and then readily share them with others.  Her family are distributing her plants so these will continue to live on in her memory.

Mom was not one to say I love you, but she loved us with her entire heart, and we knew it. She will be dearly missed and live on in the hearts of all those she loved.

A celebration of life will be held Sat May 27^th at St Andrews Presbyterian Church 143 Main Street N. Markham.  Visitation at 11am with the church service at 12pm.  A reception to follow. There will be a private family internment at Elmwood Cemetery 6150 Hwy 7 Markham after the reception.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to The Sean Ryan Children’s Fund (cards will be available at the church service or Dixon Garland Funeral Home) or contact steven.ryan@sympatico.ca