Obituary of Clare Saunders, Nesbitt (nee O'Connor)
Nesbitt, B. Clare Saunders (nee O’Connor)
Peacefully at the Ottawa Hospital – General Campus, Clare passed away on Monday, April 7th, 2025 at the age of 80. She was such a remarkable mother, known for her generosity, energy and love-all wrapped in a tiny package. Clare will be deeply missed by her daughter Shivaun (Eric Lehmann) and son Robert Saunders (Carrie Penney). She was the doting grandmother to her two granddaughters, Lillie (Mitch) and Cambrie. She took immense joy in their lives and was interested in every aspect. She constantly showered them with love and provided them countless travels and memories that they will keep with them forever. Clare was predeceased by her husband Robert Saunders (1991), and husband Donald Nesbitt (2020) and by her parents, Margaret (nee Larkin) and Joseph O’Connor and sisters Marian (John Dowdall) and Moira O'Connor.
Clare was a compassionate nurse throughout her career. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering support was truly the foundation of our family. She taught us the importance of family, love, and especially resilience, and her legacy will continue to inspire us every day. She is survived by her siblings; Paul (Linda) O’Connor, Philip (Tilly) O’Connor, Jerome (Shirley) O’Connor, Vincent (Marion) O’Connor, Janet O’Connor (late Curtis Harry), Steve O’Connor (Terry Watters) and Simon Auriat. She will be fondly remembered by Robert’s siblings; Jean Mulville (late Errol, late Lloyd Lackey) and Brent (Karen) Saunders and predeceased by Wilma (Doug Craig), Kathleen (Charles Edwards), Shirley (Glenn Sheil) and Eileen (Brian Killen).
Clare was the caring stepmother to Wade (Tricia), Kristy (Ralph) and Ryan and step grandmother to Nolan, Carter, Brayden and Parker. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W. Perth, on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare Mission (The church she was named after), 4009 Dwyer Hill Road, Ottawa, on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at St. Clare Mission Parish Cemetery and reception to follow at St Clare's Parish Hall. In Honour of Clare, memorial contributions to the CWL – St. Clare's Mission would be greatly appreciated.
