Clarice Cano

1932-2022

It is with great sadness that her husband Anthony and their family announce the passing of Clarice Cano, just a few weeks before her 90th birthday. Clarice was born in Rainy River, Ontario to Frank and Blanche Miller on November 24, 1932. She left Rainy River to enroll in St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Port Arthur, graduating in 1953 as a Registered Nurse and eventually retiring as Nurse Manager at McKellar Hospital. Clarice saw Tony at a wedding, was swept off her feet on the dance floor that night. A partnership began that lasted through 68 years of marriage and 8 children, Cherie (Jim Mastronardi), Michele (Bill Lechkoon), Gary (Rosalind), Jim (Lorraine), Danielle (Mike Gauci), Maryjo (Pat Charlebois), Terry (Jen) and Tim (Kristin) plus 23 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and counting.

Clarice believed in the importance of doing one’s best and giving back to her community. She pushed her children to meet their full potential, and never shied away from sharing her advice on how to do so. She exemplified a commitment to volunteering with her participation in the Catholic Women’s League, Christmas Cheer, Neighbourhood Watch, the Arthritis Foundation, Heart and Stroke, plus many hours selling tickets for Knights of Columbus charities. When not volunteering her time, she kept busy (and she kept busy!) at home baking her legendary ‘Granny buns’, cinnamon rolls and boxes of Christmas baking, while spring and summers were dedicated to planning and tending her beloved flower and shrub gardens. Her favorite pastime was travelling with Dad in their camper van, seeing the sights and stopping at every casino on the way (and the way back). In her later years, she enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and bus trips to Hinckley. Though she never won a jackpot at the casino, she found it in her life, and she will be missed.

The family would like to thank all the nurses, personal support workers and staff at Chartwell Isabella for their kindness over the past months. A celebration of Mom’s life will be on Thursday, November 10th at 11 a.m., St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed to the Blake Funeral Chapel facebook page, www.facebook.com/BlakeFuneralChapel. The family respectfully requests that everyone who attends wears a mask. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated.