CLARA KONSTANCE BRACKEN

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CLARA KONSTANCE BRACKEN October 4, 1914 - March 11, 2019 It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Clara's passing on March 11, 2019, at her home in The Sunnywood Manor of Pine Falls, MB. Unfortunately Clara was predeceased by her parents, Regene and Nels, her loving husband John, all of her six siblings, as well as her sister-in-law, and all of her four children, Jack, Patricia, Garry and Noreen. 104 years ago Clara was born in Winnipeg, MB. Being one of seven siblings Nan often reminisced about her childhood and the loving memories her family made on the farm near Dover, MB. Music was always a part of Nan's life, she taught herself to play many different instruments by ear and liked to sing and entertain family and friends. After marrying John in May, 1939, they settled in their first home on a farm in Mud Falls, MB, near Great Falls, MB. While farming and eventually working for Manitoba Hydro, both Clara and John raised a family of four. Life wasn't always kind on the farm and at times Nan described it as difficult and cruel, but she wasn't a quitter! She could be tough and brutally honest, but such traits gave her the undeniable strength she needed to persevere, even after the unimaginable deaths of her two young children due to Cystic Fibrosis. Clara was an avid Great Falls Community / Hall Member and was involved in all things related. She would often be found in the kitchen catering or helping for any occasion. Even well into her 90s she would sit at the polls in the hall for many hours, assisting people with voting. Voting was very important to Nan and at a young age we learned that the only way to vote was NDP! Many of our family gatherings were celebrated at the hall. Clara was also a member of the Pine Falls United Church and enjoyed many years of singing with the choir. Nan also enjoyed and belonged to many clubs such as The Rebekah Lodge, WI, bowling, curling and numerous 4-H groups. After Clara's husband John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she cared for him until it was no longer possible. Although John was living at Sunnywood Manor and being well cared for, Clara showed her strength and love once again by dropping in almost everyday to help / comfort him until his passing in 2003. Clara is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her son-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews. As per Nan's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Clara's life will be held at the Pine Falls United Church this July 2019. A date is yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice. And last, but never the least, we want to say thank-you from the bottom of our hearts to each and every one of you genuine, loving people who cared for our Nan at the Sunnywood Manor in Pine Falls...there truly are angels who walk among us everyday and you are all living proof!!! Nan always said that "she felt loved in her home!" We love and miss you "Nana Banana", but we know you are at peace now. XOXO SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 204-268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019