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Our beautiful Mom (always spelled with a capital “M”) and grandmother/great-grandmother Claire Dunk (née White) passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023, at the age of 89.
An active and much-loved member of the St. John’s United Church community in Campbellford, Claire was well-known for her work with the UCW (United Church Women). She also volunteered extensively, including with the Westben Centre for Music, Community Care Northumberland (Meals on Wheels) and Campbellford Memorial Hospital. Music was always a source of great joy, and one of Claire’s proudest achievements was her 50 years of singing with the St. John’s Choir.
She had happy, crystal-clear memories of growing up in her hometown of North Bay, where she was one of ten children born to Wilbert (“Wib”) and Ethel White. In 1953 she met her future husband, James (“Jim”) Dunk. They married and had three children, eventually settling down in Campbellford after living in Barrie, Ridgetown, Richmond Hill and Thornhill.
Claire is survived and loved by her sister Wilma, children Cathy, John and Jeff, grandson Kaleb Ruch (Cheryl) and great-grandchildren William and Carys. She is predeceased by her husband Jim, brothers Howard, Oral (died as an infant), Basil, Alvin, Harvey (killed in action during WWII), Melvin George (“Bob”), John, and sister Gloria.
All who knew her were touched by Claire’s kindness, gentle nature, and determination to make a positive difference in her community. A service and celebration of life for her extended family and many friends will be held in St. John's United Church Campbellford on Friday June 16th at 11 am. There will be visiting in the church from 10 am - 11 am. Private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
I just want to expressed my sincere condolences to Claire’s family.A sweeter, kinder, more loving soul never existed on God’s green earth! My husband, children and I first met Claire through Saint Johns Church over 40 years ago. We all have such fond memories of our personal interactions with her in a variety of ways that included Sunday school, worship and choir. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend today, but wanted to make sure that I passed our heartfelt thoughts on to the family.
Claire was such a lovely lady. She will be missed by our Multicare residents.? My condolences to the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. John's United Church
Claire was a positive light every day and one of our most dedicated volunteers at CMH. She proudly served her community in several areas and her faith help to guide her throughout her life. She truly was an angel among us… I was truly blessed to have worked with her. Thank you Claire for the talks and lessons you gave me.
Claire was a great lady, as a volunteer at the Campbellford hospital I knew Claire for many years, she was kind and caring and always wanting to help. She will be missed by all at the hospital. My condolences to the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation
Clair was a special friend to me at Multicare Lodge in Campbellford. Just after I moved in a knock came to my door and this cheerful lady asked if I would like to do Meals on Wheels. Well I couldn't say no and for a few years we worked together delivering the meals. We volunteered at the hospital together and in the Lodge Library. She always had a smile on her face and a bright and happy greeting for all. She is greatly missed at the Lodge and we all remember her smiling face. My condolances to her family, my heart goes out to you all at this time.
My condolences to the family, Claire was the sweetest, and most kind caring woman. We always had a good chuckle. I had the privilege of knowing her as a child in our church and later in life. Always a kind word to speak, she could light the room, and a voice that could cheer the soul. So sorry for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation
Claire was such a beloved friend of our family when we attended St. John's and then when I went into the ministry. She was the church secretary for many years. Condolences to the family on the loss of a beautiful soul... mother, grand and great grandmother. Jamie, Pat & family.
Claire was such a loving caring lady. Love & prayers to her family. Going into her at the Lodge was always a pleasure.?
Auntie Claire will be missed by our whole family. She always greeted us with a huge smile and hugs, she made us feel welcomed. She always took an interest in what we had been doing and what we were up to. Our condolences to Cathy, John, Jeff and families.
John and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
To the Dunk family, My deepest sympathy to you all. Mrs Dunk beamed with pride when she would let ,e know how you all were. She always took the time to visit whenever we met. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
I got to know your Mother mostly through St.John's United Church. Such a very special lady who always had a beautiful smile & a kind word. You were so lucky to have such a special Mom.
A kind and gentle women, that’s how I will always remember Auntie Claire. She was a big hearted, soft spoken little woman who left an impression on so many. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Jeff, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Hoping you find some peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories you have. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Sandra and family.
Claire welcomed us to the St. John’s family, we will never forget her kindness and support.
Thinking of you at this time of sorrow. Your mother was a great person & always had a smile for everyone. So sorrow for your loss.
My condolences to all the family on the loss of one so loved by all. I have so many happy memories of growing up close to the Dunk family and Claire's kindness to me as a child. My thoughts are with all of you during this sad time.
Claire was a lovely soul. She was one of the first people I met when moving to Campbellford. Always a smile on her face and willing to help out at a moments notice. She was a committed community volunteer and I always enjoyed our chats when she came into the Community Care offices. My thoughts are with her family.
Claire was a wonderful person and much appreciated volunteer at Community Care Northumberland. She certainly made a positive difference in her community and the lives of anyone she touched. My sympathies to the family, she will be missed.
Jeff and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Claire was the brightest light in a sky full of stars. Sending love and support during this difficult time. Susie
Our condolences to the Dunk family and friends on the loss of such a loved and special lady. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Our Deapest condolences on the loss of your mom .
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Dunk was a wonderful person and a great friend to my parents. My deep condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss. Sending love and thoughts to you during this sad time John and family. ❤
Clarie will be missed here in mulicare lodge always a little smile My thoughts are with the family Beverley Ferguson