Obituary of Claire Elizabeth Crowley

Taken away from her family and friends suddenly and far too soon, on December 8, 2021 at the age of 51, in Ottawa. Beloved daughter of the late Alphonsus Crowley of Kinsale, Ireland and the late Claire David of Alexandria, Ontario. Dear sister of Marie Crowley formerly of Ottawa. Loving mama to sweet bulldog Tilly. Claire was devoted to her small and close-knit family and she was much loved by them. She was her father’s heart; her mother’s cherished first born; grandpapa Elie’s pride; uncle Mel’s joke loving pal; uncle Reen’s sensible Canadian grandniece; and her sister’s protector, guide and truest of friends. The meld of maternal and paternal lines filled with strong women, Claire was an intensely private person with great inner fortitude and a big generous heart. Her friends who were privileged to truly know her, will dearly miss this remarkable woman, her clear judgment, sharp intellect, quick wit, selflessness, calm and sound advice. Claire grew up in Hull, Quebec and worked in the broadcasting industry in Charlottetown, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto where she lived in the Upper Beaches neighbourhood for over 20 years, working at Bell Media Inc. in Scarborough. But it was the family farm in Alexandria that always held a special place in Claire’s heart. Weekends and vacations were spent in the peaceful countryside enjoying the simple joys of family life – talking, listening, arguing, sharing, caring and above all laughing and loving. The farm, along with her father’s imaginative storytelling about animals, nurtured early on Claire’s great love of furry creatures. Nothing brought greater happiness to Claire than caring for animals. She self-sacrificed to give many abandoned and rescued animals new and happy lives under her protection. Thankfully, it was at the farm where Claire sought solace during her very short illness, surrounded by her human and furry families. Claire’s family is grateful to the physicians and nurses at the Ottawa General Hospital who cared for Claire, in particular Dr. Corey whose gentleness and compassion made a difference at a difficult time and RN Eva June whose hope and optimism brought relief from the bleakness. Many thanks to all the friends who lent support to Claire during her time of need, and for all the prayers which were immensely comforting to her. And a very special thanks to longtime Crowley family friend Constance Dodd who watched over Claire from afar, like she did long ago when Claire was a little girl. In accordance with Claire’s wishes for a simple farewell, there will be no visitation or service. A private internment of cremated remains at the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery in Alexandria will be held at a later date. Claire’s memory can be honoured by acts of kindness and memorial donations to the Toronto Humane Society and the Canadian Cancer Society. Her close family and friends will meet at a later time to celebrate a life well lived and raise a glass to Claire, the woman as clear and bright as her name, who left us so many wonderful memories and made us happier. Condolences / Donations / Tributes can be made online at www.glengarryfuneralhome.com