The passing of Clara Jane (Gilmore) Allen of Keswick Ridge, wife of the late William Amos Allen, occurred peacefully at her home on Friday, September 25, 2009. Born on September 9, 1940 in Newcastle, NB, she was the daughter of the late Owen and Jean (Saunders) Gilmore. Clara was an educator her whole life from her early days in Perth Andover, Burtts Corner and Port Elgin to her later years in Sackville and Oromocto as a District 17 Supervisor and finally as a member of the District Education Council (DEC) for District 18. Her passion for youth education extended beyond the classroom as she coached basketball and other sports teams. She was a Girl Guide Commissioner and a Vacation Bible School leader. Clara was an active member of the Keswick Ridge Quilters Guild and the Fredericton Quilters Guild. She was a former member of the Elm City Echoes and the Keswick Ridge United Church Choir. Clara loved to garden and had great memories of her years of sailing with her husband.
Clara is survived by her son, Sean Allen of Fredericton, NB; daughters, Shannon (Malcolm) McNevin of Whitehorse, Yukon and Shelonie (Michael) Cooley of Keswick Ridge, NB; two brothers, Sterling (Doris) Gilmore of Keswick Ridge, NB, Owen (Maureen) Gilmore of Petiticodiac; two sisters, Joyce Rice of Fredericton, NB, Gertrude–Jean (Alfred) Whittier of Lennoxville, QC; sister-in-law, Betty Davis of Port Elgin, NB three grandchildren, Heather Allen, David and Elizabeth Cooley; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Clara was predeceased by two brother-in-laws, Doug Rice and Henry Davis.
Visitation will be held at York Funeral Home on Monday, September 28, 2009 from 7-9pm and Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the Keswick Ridge United Church on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 2pm officiated by Rev. Amos Adeniyi and Rev. Boyce Martin. Interment will take place in the Scotch Settlement Cemetery on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 11 am. Donations made to the ALS society or to the Keswick Ridge United Church would be appreciated by the family. The family wishes to express a special Thank You to Dr. O’Connell and Dr. Pniak for all they have done. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com