My name is Joseph Toal. I knew "Aunt" Claire all of my life. She was such a wonderful person. We will miss her dearly. Shirley is my mother and was Claire's sister in law (Prior to my arrival) and co-worker at LA-TO Travel a landmark business providing Travel Services to Kapuskasing for many years.
When I was young Aunt Claire used to baby sit me from time to time and always helped us when able when many others including direct family would not. Claire was Shirley's "Best Friend" and they experienced many adventures together including Curling and work related activities over the years.
Through life as it progressed, Aunt Claire was always there for us and even later in life when I had to travel to Kapuskasing, she always had an open door for us. Through the ups and downs of life, she was a rock that people could rely upon for safety and assistance. She was an Angel of this Earth.
She loved camping and the "BUSH" where she attempted to get out to camp as often and as for long as she could. I think she was happy there as she felt she could connect to nature and spend quality time with her family. She even insisted Shirley visit her in the "BUSH" and thanks to Ken and the family who made it happen, she was able to share a little time with her there.
As tragic events unfolded in all of our lives such as the loss of Alen and Gerry, Claire always stood strong and helped others deal with the grief and reality of the situation.
My mother always spoke of the fun they had together and the experiences they shared. They were the best of friends. The last few years have been a tax on her family as we all know Claire suffered from medical issues but she was a fighter and continued to grace us with her wit and off set humour. She loved her family and missed Gerry the "love of her life" until the end I am sure.
We will all miss her dearly and hope she is in a better place with Gerry and free of the physical pain she endured for years. We will miss her dearly and think of her often until it is our time to pass. We wish Ken, Dennis and Crystal as well as the rest of her family the best in the future and know that her memory will remain with us all.
With All of Our Love,
Joseph & Shirley Toal