It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ethel Clara Steele on February 18, 2025, at North Haven Manor. Clara, as she was known to many, was born in Birchy Bay on April 26, 1949, and lived a life filled with love, devotion, and quiet strength. She was 75 years old.

Clara was the beloved daughter of the late Ida and Peter Quinlan. She was a devoted wife to the late Larry Steele, with whom she created a nurturing family. Throughout her life, she served as a strong and compassionate role model, leaving behind cherished memories for her four children: Rodney (Rommella), Renee (Kevin), Bradley (Laurie), and Benita (Darrell).

Clara was a strong woman with a firm faith in God, a faith that sustained her through life's joys and challenges. She dedicated her life to her family, always putting their needs and happiness first. While she never sought the spotlight, she quietly contributed to her community and church in meaningful ways. She found solace and creativity in her hobbies, including quilting, knitting, and reading. In recent years, she enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of completing jigsaw puzzles.

She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Calista, Brandon, Ethan, Christopher, Harrison, and Dexter. She treasured every moment spent with them, and her visits to Ottawa to see them brought her immense joy.

She is preceded in death by her husband Larry, parents Ida and Peter, sisters Hilda and Maria, brother Gordon and best friend Ivy. Left to mourn are her children and grandchildren along with her sister Lillian and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Our lives have been forever enriched by her love, kindness and care for us. We find comfort in the words of Tamsen Butler.

Your Hug Meant the World

Nobody else held me so tight

Or made me feel so right

No one's eyes shined so bright with love

As my mom, who is now high above.

Friends and family are invited to say goodbye to Clara. A public visitation will take place at Beacon Pentecostal Tabernacle in Birchy Bay on Saturday February 22, 2025 from 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at the church on Sunday February 23, 2025 at 1pm. Interment to follow at the Pentecostal Cemetery in Birchy Bay.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada will be gratefully accepted.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at North Haven Manor for their care and support as well as to all those who have visited and offered their assistance.