CHRISTIANSON Clara

Posted: October 7th, 2014

CLARA "PEARLE" CHRISTIANSON, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, den mother and friend passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on October 3, 2014 at the age of 77 years. Mom was named after her paternal aunt Clara Coverdale and maternal grandmother Pearl Nasadyk. She would answer to Clara Pearle, Pearle, CP, Mom, Ma, Mama, Grammy and Gramma or Gramma Pearle…. but no one dared to call her Pearlie ("the "E" is silent!) Her little brother and friend Sue Sue were the only exceptions to that rule. Pearle is lovingly remembered by her son Dean Christianson (Tracey) of Castlegar, B.C. and daughter Caren Christianson (with a "C") of Lethbridge, by her brother Allen Evans of Nanaimo, B.C. and grandchildren Alyssa and Keegan of Castlegar, B.C. and Isabella of Lethbridge. Pearle was born 2 months premature on December 22, 1936 and raised primarily in Foremost, Alberta. She came into this world fighting for breath, delivered and cared for by her paternal grandmother Isabella Evans. That fight and determination carried her throughout her entire life. Pearle moved to Lethbridge in 1967 with two kids in tow and a new path to travel. Knowing that the University of Lethbridge would be opening on the \”new west side\” in the next couple of years, she was determined to get in on that and get herself ready to go back into the workforce. In 1971 the University opened and Pearle was there thriving and working in almost every area of Food Services. Along the way, she created and maintained many lifelong relationships and will be fondly remembered by staff, faculty, students and alumni alike. Some of these friendships overflowed into our home and they became a part of our family. Pearle loved to meet people and she made friends everywhere; on a greyhound bus, on a city transit bus, in the hospital… wherever she was and wherever she was going. Remarkably, Pearle kept up with these friendships from her family, her hometown, from across the street, country or across the oceans, and never forgot a birthday. She was Gramma Pearle for so many across the globe. With that said, Pearle\’s memory is also cherished by Ken and Monica McClain of Lethbridge, Diane and Scot Barton of Stirling, Carlos and Sarah Qafaiti of Calgary, Khalid and Angie El Hilo of Singapore, Jennifer and Troy Millet of Calgary, James and Linda Baron of Coaldale and Sylvie and Paul Cormier-Smith of Lethbridge. Pearle is also survived by Diane, Grant, Keith and Norman Druhan and families, as well as Lynn Arnold of Lethbridge, her sister in her heart. In 2002, Pearle started her fight with COPD and for the following 12 years, fought harder than anyone could. She never lost her spunk, or her will to carry on with her journey, continued to tell you what she thought and called a spade a spade. If you loved her, she loved you back 100-fold and you felt the depth of that love. A special thank you to our wonderful Home Care family; Shalane, Barb, Colleen, Sherri, Mary, Nichole, Terri and more – Pearle loved you all and so appreciated your help and compassion in these final years. On Friday morning Pearle took her last breath while holding the hand of her best friend and daughter, Caren. The fight was over and she went peacefully on to an easier new journey. Thank you to Andrea on 4B, for those final hours with mom. Thank you to Dr Eric Wilde – we cannot express the gratitude we have for you. Thank you for believing in her strength and the love she held for so many. Thank you for being more than a doctor but also her dearly respected friend. Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Pearle’s Life at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Thursday, October 9th, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. A Private Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pearle\’s memory to the Alberta Lung Association, 17420 Stony Plain Road N.W., Edmonton, AB, T5S 1K6.

3 Condolences for “CHRISTIANSON Clara”

  1. Adrian Huang says:

    A truly amazing lady, whose nature was always to give and never expecting anything in return. Pearle was Mom to many foreign students, whose homes were half way across the world. To her, we were all her sons and daughters. That’s how extraordinary a person she was. Pearle was my Mom away from home and I still referred her as my second Mom whenever I talked about her today.

    I am honored to have been given the opportunity to share 3 years of my life with her. More importantly, to be showered with her love and care. The only regret is my failure to keep in touch. And, believe me, this guilt is burning in me as I type.

    I am sure we will meet again. I hope to be able to make it up to you then. You will always live within me and I love you.

    Goodbye Mom

  2. Laura Shaskin says:

    Dear Caren,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Pearle will always be remembered as the saucy lady with the heart of gold.
    The first time I met Pearle was when she would bring Igor sandwiches back when he worked long hours at the pharmacy. I have to admit I was a bit tentative with her because she was a no fuss, call it as she saw woman. I quickly found out she was crusty, you bet but she would give you the shirt off her back.
    I always enjoyed her visits, she would put a smile on my face every time. Even as her health declined she always had time to ask how you were.
    Pearle had such love for you Caren that was obvious. Most importantly was the gift you gave her in Isabella. The sun rose and set on her little granddaughter. The joy she brought to Pearle fueled her life.
    I will miss Pearle. I can only imagine the void left in your life. You will have good days and you will have bad days. You will have days when you laugh at the wonderful memories. You will have days when you can not breath because your grief is so intense. One day at a time, one moment at a time you will get through it. Just remember you are not alone. You have friends around you that can help when you need it, just ask.

    Hugs to you and Isabella.

    Very Truly,
    Laura

  3. Rick Buis says:

    I know this is a belated comment on CP but I only recently learned of her passing. Clara Pearle was a fabulous person. She was the sister of my best friend while growing up in Foremost. She was one of those people who were always there when you needed them. Many year later when I returned to Lethbridge I would “run” into CP in the Mall or on a street corner in Lethbridge and she would stop me to talk. She never forgot who you were, and always supported you in your trials and tribulations. She was a dear person and will be missed by many. Have a sweet journey Clara Pearle.

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