Claire passed away peacefully, after a short stay at Victoria Hospice.
Claire is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 54 years, Daniel, her so loved daughter Lauren and son Bryan, her beloved sister Frances Jonson, niece Holly Jonson, nephews Nathan Wairoa (Emily and son Casper), Mathew Jonson (Jay and daughter Kaila), nephews Matthew and Patrick Kelly, brothers-in-law Shawn, William (Maureen), Patrick (Eloise) Kelly and some 28 Kelly nephews and nieces, mostly in Ontario. She also leaves to mourn her cousins, Dorothy (John) Waycott, Arthur (Lesley) Wootton, David (Cathy) Wootton, Donna Balagno and Carol Penhollow and extended family.
Claire was predeceased by her parents, Stan and Eleanor Dalby, and Aunt Bonnie Dafoe.
Born in Penticton, Claire spent a happy childhood surrounded by the love of her parents, sister and extended family. Some of her happiest childhood memories were of the long summer days spent at Skaha Lake.
Growing up with a deep appreciation for music, Claire displayed a gift for piano from an early age, reaching Grade 10 Piano in only 5 years. Classical music especially piano remained one of her lifelong passions and greatest joys. Claire continued to study and play as an adult, and music was always at the heart of her home. She developed an extensive knowledge of the piano repertoire and could identify most piano composers and their music. Her love of music inspired her children to become accomplished musicians, continuing a cherished family tradition.
Claire chose a career in nursing and graduated in 1968 from Royal Columbian Hospital, in New Westminster. Her first nursing position took her to Terrace, B.C. where she met the love of her life, Daniel in 1969. They were married in 1972 in Penticton and with Dan’s transfers, lived in Vancouver, Edmonton, Ponoka, and Grande Prairie, Alta. until moving to Victoria in 1984.
In her later years Claire became an accomplished bridge player, with a never- ending thirst to perfect her game. She was a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi and forged deep lasting friendships with both groups. She enjoyed keeping up with current events and read national newspapers every day. Also, among her favourite pleasures was swimming at Durrance Lake, with her long-time friend, Evelyn. She enjoyed a variety of musical concerts, gentle walks in nature and felt deeply connected to the West Coast.
Friends knew her as ‘The Gracious Lady’, a reflection of her quiet elegance, gentle spirit, and enduring kindness
The family extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Galina Turpin, doctors, staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice and to Archdeacon Dr. Lon Towstego for his compassion and blessing.
A Memorial Service will be held September 15, 2026, at St. Mary the Virgin, Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Street, Oak Bay, B.C., at 1PM with Venerable Dr. Lon Towstego and Reverend Jacqueline Stober officiating. Service will be live streamed at https://www.stmarysoakbay.ca/
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honour Claire’s memory may kindly donate to Victoria Hospice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Kelly” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
11 Responses
Dear Dan, Lauren and Bryan, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your devoted wife and mother Claire. Always gracious, friendly and kind. Rest in peace Claire with your favourite composers playing in the background.
So very sorry Dan to hear about Claire’s passing.
May she rest in peace and her memory be a comfort
and a blessing for you and your family.
She was a very accomplished and kind woman who will be sorely missed.
Dear Dan, Lauren, Bryan and family. I am so sorry for your loss, and I am so sorry that I have lost such a special friend.
Claire would always put others ahead of herself. Her compassion and understanding will be sadly missed. She was a great partner to go for walks and she knew her parks well. We never once got lost. I enjoyed our trips to the Butchart Gardens. We would always take in the seasons by stopping in a particular spot where the views were spectacular for a photo op – I’ll think of her every time I return there. I’m really going to miss her, but will always cherish our time together.
Dear Uncle Danny, Lauren and Bryan,
I will carry the fond memories of Aunt Claire with me forever. She was a very special lady who always had a kind and gentle spirit. Her warm traits show through all of you.
Love you all,
Shannon
I am very sorry to learn the passing of Claire. May her family carry on living with the memory of Claire living in their hearts
Sincerely Jim Dalby
Dear Dan and family, we are so sorry for your loss of lovely Claire. She will be in your hearts forever. As others have said Claire always had a lovely smile and a very kind spirit.
RIP dear Claire
Love Sharlene and Ken Harlos
I knew Claire through bridge and she truly was a lovely lady. I’m sorry that we lost her.
Dear Dan,
I was sorry to hear Claire had passed away. Claire was one of the nicest people I know. She was really a very special person.
I played bridge with her and knew her through the Newcomers association for many years.
She will be missed.
Sandy.Coupe
Memories of my neighbour, Claire, our time together in the Junior Service League and lately run ins in Broadmead where we exchanged phone numbers. I ‘m truly sorry that the number is still staring at me! Claire was one of the sweetest people , always smiling , always gracious . I miss her already! My best to the family.
I remember well her gracious presence and her deep love for Lauren whenever she’d come to visit Vancouver. They share a smile and eyebrows! I had no idea about her own piano passion—how special that the tradition is carrying on and on!
I’m so sorry you have to go on without this beautiful mother and wife.