Clara Vina Carifelle, 1940-2007

Clara Vina Carifelle was born Nov. 11, 1940 in Grouard and passed away Nov. 28, 2007, at the age of 67 years. Her parents were Agnes Johnston and Sam Capot. Clara was raised by her maternal grandparents, Maria and Jamie Belcourt. Her childhood was spent in the areas known as Kapown (Grouard) and Duck Lake (Peavine). At the age of 16, Clara married Jim Carifelle, of Peavine. Clara and Jim spent a lot of time together hunting, berry picking, fishing and looking after her grandparents. They had seven children, which they raised in the Peavine and High Prairie areas. Clara and Jim separated in the 1970s and Clara moved to Edmonton, where she took adult upgrading classes so she could improve her reading skills. Clara took great pride in being able to get from one end of the city to the other on her own. While in Edmonton, Clara spent some time volunteering in nursing homes where she knew people. She enjoyed her independence and lived in Edmonton for many years. Throughout her life Clara always kept herself busy. She enjoyed bingo and social functions, especially where she could get dressed up and go dancing. Clara also kept herself busy with crafts. Crochet was her favourite. Clara had many friends whom she enjoyed visiting with on the phone. As she got older and less busy, this became her life line. When Clara’s health began to decline she decided to move back to the area to be closer to her family. Clara took great pride in the many grandchildren and great-grand children she had. In May 2007 Clara’s health took a turn for the worse. She was rushed to the University Hospital in Edmonton with complete kidney failure. Clara refused to take dialysis and opted for an experimental drug instead. Slowly, her kidneys began to function again. Clara spent her summer in the High Prairie Hospital getting healthier and stronger. She was determined to get out of the hospital and in September she returned to Peavine. On Nov. 18, 2007, Clara was rushed once again to the hospital in grave health. She passed away Nov. 28,2007, in High Prairie with her family by her side. She was 67 years old. Clara leaves to mourn: six children including Ken Carifelle, Marlene Carifelle, Sharon Carifelle and Reggie Carifelle, all of Peavine; Linda Maure of High Prairie; and Alvin Carifelle of Bradford, Ont.; two sisters, Brenda Peterson of Enilda and Yvonne Johnston of Edmonton; 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grand children. A legacy to be proud of! She was predeceased by: her parents, Agnes Johnston and Sam Capot; grandparents Maria and Jamie Belcourt; one brother, Edward Johnston; two sisters, Violet and Debbie Johnston; her husband, Jim Carifelle; and one daughter, Josephine Carifelle. The funeral for Clara was held Dec. 3, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie with Father Tony Chakkunga V.C., officiating. The cross bearer was Joshua St. Cyr, the eulogist Brenda Peterson and readers were Amy Norquay and Kathryn Lainchbury. Pallbearers were Sandy Carifelle, Ken Carifelle, Kevin Mearon, Clifford Jr. Carifelle, Dwayne Willier and Craig Letendre. Honourary pallbearers were Marina Carifelle, Gloria Noskey, Evelyn Carifelle, Madeline Gauchier, Flora Mearon and Theresa Belcourt. Internment followed at Peavine Community Cemetery.

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