Obituary of Pearl McCleary (nee Crawford)

Died in hospital, Shawville QC on December 16, 2018. Pearl was born in Thornby, QC July 27, 1920 to the late Sam Crawford and Rose Young. Predeceased in 1986 by her husband Wilson Robert McCleary.  Loving Mother and Mother-in-law to Blythe (Carol Horner), her ‘best nurse,’ Joyce (Bob Binder), Jill (late Nick Nicolic) and Bill (Susan Laframboise).  Proud to be Gramma Pearl to Jane Alexander (Mark), Robert McCleary (Cheryl Wilson), Elizabeth Nicolic, Joseph McCleary (Jessica Ballard), and Dennis McCleary, (Brittany Harris).  Honorary and special Gramma Pearl to many close friends.  Delighted to be GGP to Cameron and Maggie McCleary and Samuel and Caroline Alexander.  Survived by sister Laura, half brother George, sister-in-law Helen Crawford, as well as many nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. 
 Predeceased by brothers Stewart, Lloyd, Daniel, Earl and Bill and sisters Grace and Elaine.

Pearl was a remarkable woman who had many talents. She was a rare fine gem: handyman, designer, seamstress, knitter, woodworker, butterfly lady, teacher, soap maker, story teller, author, historian, genealogist, social activist, rock hound and nature lover. She re-used and recycled everything within an inch if its life long before it was the in-thing. She kept a beautiful garden for as long as she was able and always had fresh bounty along with pickles, jams and preserves to share. 

A highlight every year was a birthday celebration with family and friends. We had hoped to have her with us to 99, 100 and beyond but it just wasn’t to be. A few more years and she might have learned how to drink wine – properly.

Sometimes, well okay, most of the time in her later years, Pearl just had no filter. Even if it wasn’t necessarily what you wanted to hear, if she had something to say she didn’t hold back.

Sincere thanks to long time friends in her neighbourhood and everyone who visited Mom, spoke to her, listened to her, sat with her, cared for her and sent encouraging thoughts.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in the T.C.R.A. Ladysmith, Quebec. 

If so desired donations to the Villa James Shaw would be appreciated.