Obituary (Rowena Clarke)

Rowena M. Clarke
1926 - 2018

Clarke, Rowena M. – Age 91, of New Salem passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the Bayview Memorial Health Centre, Advocate Harbour. Born in Point Leamington, Nfld., she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Ida (Burt) Sharron. Rowena left Newfoundland at an early age and headed to Halifax to find work. She was strong willed, independent and found work within her first day. She eventually met a handsome military man and fell in love with this country boy by the name Arnold Clarke. They married on August 12th, 1950. Arnold was soon sent to Moncton were Rowena followed and there she took her hair dressing training in 1952 at a reputable salon in Moncton. She was always very proud of her certificate and her ability to work at her trade. Arnold, Rowena, Susan and Cathy enjoyed the army life, living in western Canada, Ontario and Europe. Rowena loved to visit different places and took wonderful care of the household duties and the girls, when Arnold was away for extended periods of time. She loved to go to the open markets and visit local shops in different cities and countries. She was always a 'trooper' and fearless when faced with moving or coping with new surroundings. After 26 years of military life, they settled in New Salem and started to farm. Large beautiful gardens, fields of strawberries, blueberries, apple orchards, cows and chickens were among the things they enjoyed together. Rowena loved to be at home making beautiful apple pies, ginger cookies, bread and preserves, as well, helping Arnold fix up the house, getting wood for the winter, walking the back fields to pick berries, all while maintaining a spotless house. She was never too busy to help her two girls with homework, sewing dresses and clothes, fixing hair - looking after her family was her priority. Home was always a safe and a wonderful place to be, full of good times and a feeling of love and happines. Even after the girls grew older and moved out, they still felt welcome, safe and loved in the old family farm house. She was a tireless worker and a pillar of strength when Arnold fell ill in 1990. Although ill for many years, he grew more sick each year and finally passed in 2004. Rowena remained on her own in her six bedroom farm house, enjoying family visits, especially the visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always enjoyed watching school basketball games, concerts and graduations. She was so proud of the grandchildren and their many accomplishments. She was also a great house sitter and would often keep her families cats and grand-dog Emma, allowing her family to be away when necessary; always happy to bake them treats or just spend time with them. Her family could always count on her for being there when needed. She enjoyed the days that Doug and Susan would do home projects for her and she would be right there helping pass a nail or tool, and would help put in the winters wood. She loved that old wood stove in her kitchen and used it daily. Thanks to the wonderful homecare providers and VON, Rowena was able to remain in her own home as her health started to fail. She enjoyed the care workers company and the great things they did for her. In December 2015, no longer able to stay at her own home, she found a new home, new friends and wonderful care givers at Bayview in Advocate. She enjoyed recreation with Deb, great food, clean surroundings and received the best care possible. Thank you to all that were there to care for her, especially the nursing staff at Bayview, who were so attentive of her daily needs and her declining health. Although the last week of her life was very sad and upsetting for her family, with the help, compassion and concern from the Bayview nursing staff, her family were able to get through this difficult time. Thank you to the three special, caring and compassionate staff that stayed with us throughout the evening and comforted Mom (and Susan) during her final hours. The staff at Bayview go above and beyond when caring for their residents - thank you! Also, sincere appreciation to the Cumberland Health Centre in Amherst for their care and compassion, especially RN Ron, who was so wonderful with Rowena during her few days spent there. “Mom” was beautiful inside and out. She loved animals and children. She is survived by daughter, Susan (Douglas), Advocate Harbour, and grandchildren, Robert (Megan), Advocate Harbour; Robyn (Tyrell), Keswick Ridge, NB; Krista, Advocate Harbour; great grandchildren, Shelby, Caleb, Claire. Also, daughter, Cathy, Orangeville, Ont.; and granddaughter, Nicole (Sean), Toronto, Ont.; grandson, Ben (Kristine), Orangeville, Ont.; sister, Elizabeth Purchase, Norris Arm, Nfld.; brother, John, Campbellton, N.B.; numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Arnold; brothers, William “Bill”, Hedley. In keeping with Rowena’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. A private graveside committal will take place in Advocate Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Recreation Program of Bayview Health Centre Foundation or to a charity of choice.