Obituary of Claire Quinlan

Mrs. Claire Lucille Quinlan of Camrose, formerly of Calgary, passed away on Saturday December 27, 2014 at the age of 72 years. Claire Quinlan was born on September 27th, 1942 in St Paul, AB. Her parents Joseph and Leona Chartrand took her home to reside on the family farm just outside of Mallaig, AB. Claire spent her childhood enjoying the farm and working with her siblings on the farm. Claire was always a hard worker from the time she was young, which proved to be a great asset throughout her life. Claire also loved to have fun at whatever she did, which proved to get her into trouble from time to time, usually at the expense of her siblings during her younger years. In 1960 Claire married Marcel Michaud of St. Vincent, AB, and they were blessed with two sons, Denis born in St. Paul in 1962, and Patrick born in Edmonton in 1967. Claire and Marcel moved to Edmonton in 1964, and were divorced in 1967. Claire, now a single mother, needed to support herself and the two boys. Claire found employment at Alberta Health Care as a switchboard operator and took in boarders to supplement her income. Raising two small boys and having a full time job is a task alone, but yet Claire found the energy to take in boarders. She had up to 7 individuals boarding at her house at one period of time. In 1974 Claire married Jim Quinlan, and they started their life adventure with Denis and Patrick along for the ride. In 1975 Claire and Jim purchased the Franklin Hotel in Assiniboia, Sk. The move allowed Claire to find her true passion, which was the hospitality industry. In 1981, they sold the Franklin Hotel and moved to Shaunavon, Sk, and operated the Inn of The South Motel until 1984. They moved to Regina in 1984 and looked forward to a semi-retired lifestyle. Well, that didn't last to long. Claire with all her energy needed to be involved and active in something so she took on a job running Centennial Bingo Hall concession. Within a year she was the general manager of that hall and two others. Claire enjoyed her time in the bingo halls, but missed her true passion of the hotel industry. In 1990, Claire started back into the hotel industry, taking a sales position at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Regina. In a few months, she was promoted to manager of the hotel. In 1999, Claire moved to Canmore, AB, to be the general manager of the Howard Johnson Hotel. Her time there was great for friends and family as she always seemed to make room for them as they visited and enjoyed the mountains. In 2002, Claire and Jim purchased a home in Calgary where they continued to work in Canmore and abroad. With the death of Denis Michaud her oldest boy in 2003 Claire found the strength to take on the day to day care of Sara Michaud her granddaughter, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Sara passed away in the fall of 2003 and left a void in Claire and Jim's home. Again family and friends came a calling and Claire opened her home with open arms as usual. Claire gained her strength from the people around her and gave as much back. In 2007, due to health issues Claire retired and resided in Calgary. Her home was still open to friends and relatives and she was always a gracious host. In 2009, her husband Jim Quinlan passed away and Claire moved to Camrose, AB to be close to her youngest son Patrick and his family. Her time in Camrose was filled, again, with family and new found friends. Claire resided at Parkview Place for most her time in Camrose and yes was active in their social club and activities. In 2013, as Claire's health declined, she moved into the Louise Jensen Health Facility. The staff at Louise Jensen soon found Claire to be a bundle of light and energy. She always had an open ear, an opinion to give, or just a smile of encouragement. On December 21, 2014 Claire was transferred to the St Mary's Hospital, which was her last move. Claire was predeceased by her husband Jim Quinlan, son Denis Michaud, grand-daughter Sara Michaud and brother in-law Art Carriere. Claire is survived by her son Patrick (Renae) Quinlan; and grandchildren Alyx Quinlan, Jacob Michaud, Zachary Quinlan, Patrick Michaud and Joshua (fiancee Stacey Ioanidis) Quinlan; three brothers Ernest (Pauline) Chartrand, Denis (Gaetane) Chartrand, Marcel (Carol) Chartrand; and also three sisters Rita Carriere, Denise (Ken) Embree, Simone (Duane) Deford. A Prayer service was held on Tuesday December 30 2014, at 7:00pm from the Burgar Memorial Chapel (4817 51 ave Camrose, Alberta). A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday December 31, 2014 at 10:00am from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Camrose. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Calgary Childrens Hospital 2888 Shaganappi Trail Northwest, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8