January 29, 1931 – June 15, 2024
Rae peacefully met her Lord and Saviour in her 93rd year.
Only child of the late George and Helen Clabon. Loving wife of John (deceased February 10, 2023). Proud mother to Philip (Eva), Graham (Valerie) and Bobby. Ying Ying (Grandmother) of Kimberly Policicchio (Mike), Kevin (Jingjing), Lauren Heaman (Brett), Greg, Marcie Calvert (Jake) and Ryan (Kathleen). Great Grandmother of Nora, Henry, Olivia, Owen, Mikayla, Lucy, Miles, Jack, Callie, Calvin, Kai, Zachary, Evie and Beau.
While Rae’s final years were difficult as she lost her mobility and ability to communicate, her family knows that she is now in a better place and are grateful to reflect on a well-lived life of a gracious, caring and giving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Our Mum was devoted to her family.
Rae left Norwich, England, a few days after her wedding in September 1952 to embark upon a lifelong honeymoon in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. While Rae dearly missed England and often reminisced about the more temperate weather and distinction between the seasons, she took great joy in the time spent with her family (especially the birth of her grandchildren), friends from Bethel Bible Chapel, and the many volunteer programs she supported through her leadership and labour.
Rae was very involved at Bethel Bible Chapel, and over the years led the AWANA girls group, was long-standing registrar for Camp Aush-Bik-Koong, and regularly hosted new and old members of the congregation for traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinners for Sunday afternoon meals after church.
Mum will be fondly remembered for many reasons, but mostly for the great love she had for her family. Other highlights include:
- Always quick with a comical colloquialism (i.e., Don’t care was made to care, don’t care was hung, don’t care was put in a pot and boiled ‘til he was done);
- Preparing sandwiches for the family and remembering the preferences of every child and grandchild – whether it was no butter, mustard, cheese, or cucumber;
- Leading AWANA girls for many years, “Bluebell” is remembered by many girls for the delicious homemade treats she brought each week, including her delicious chocolate chip cookies.
- As snowbirds who resided part of the winter in sunny Daytona Beach Shores in their retirement years, Rae and John escaped the harsh Sault Ste. Marie winters, and found a second home with the New Smyrna Bible Chapel community.
Friends and family are invited to visit Bethel Bible Chapel (686 Black Road) on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am in the auditorium. Mr. Ryan Lidstone officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online and it can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Rae's name to view the service. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship room. In lieu of flowers memorial donations (made payable by cheque or online) to Camp ABK would be greatly appreciated by the family. Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522).