CLARKE, Kimberley Lynn

Kimberley Lynn Clarke was a force. A fighter. A survivor. In truth, it is difficult to reconcile her being gone as she certainly believed herself invincible. We all believed she'd outlive us all.

It is also difficult to fit this commemoration into a box, as she existed outside of one. Convention was never her style. So, we'll try to do this big. For her.

Kimberley was born in Scarborough, Ontario to parents Carol Bugden-Clarke and the late Robert Sheldon Clarke, both from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Although she was born in Ontario, Cape Breton raised her. Her deep affinity and love for the East Coast taught her to love, care for, and protect nature and its creatures until her final moments.

Kimberley was the youngest daughter and fourth of five siblings: Elaine Clarke-Boden (Craig), Sandra Clarke-Burke (The Big D), the late Shelley-Anne Clarke-Demareski (Gary) and Robert Clarke (Joann). Growing up, Kimberley had a sharp wit, mischievous spirit and infectious charm -- these qualities were her superpowers. From a young age, she was capable of convincing her co-conspiring siblings into [harmless] trouble, while having them in stitches over the silliness and fun of it all while she did it. Their mother must've had the patience of a saint. She is survived by all but one, Shelley, who passed a few short weeks ago.

Kimberley (Stephen Clancy) had three children: Meaghen-Lynn Mahood-Clarke (Rostam), Rachel Carol Clarke and James Robert Clancy; two stepchildren: Lauren Reeds (nee Clancy) and Sean Michael Clancy; and two grandchildren: Aurora-Lynn Ayla Rondhuis and Luna Ofelia James Oancea. True to form, she also considered her dog, Betty, a child, as well as her son's dog, Dozer, her grand-fur baby.

To Kimberley, family was everything. Her relationships with her children were everything. The love she had for each one of them was unique, raw and rare. Kimberley saw her children truly and exactly as they were. She loved them individually. She loved them deeply. There is no doubt her legacy will live on through her children, who are committed to carrying forward their mother's spark, together. Only through Meaghen's piercing green eyes, Rachel's illuminating smile and James' inherent ability to make us all belly laugh will she truly live on.

Kimberley was a work horse; anyone can attest to this. But, in her soul, her purpose came from giving. She was our Christmas queen. Kimberley could be found, without fail, each Christmas eve with carloads of gifts and nourishment for those she loved and those who lacked. She never let anyone go without. She considered every need of every person she ever crossed paths with and did whatever she could. Oftentimes, she did what she couldn't.

To her friends, Kimberley was the most loyal of confidantes. This is why her hair was so big -- it wasn't just the hairspray; it was full of all of the information and all of the secrets. There wasn't a hardship a friend went through that they had to face alone. She nurtured friendships with those who loved her family as she did -- her children's honorary aunties will help them through this next chapter through the intimate guiding lens of "Kimmie's" veracious spirit.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cobourg, Ontario on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11:30am. A celebration of life will follow at the Columbus Community Centre.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to causes Kimberley cared about - Green Wood Coalition (https://www.greenwoodcoalition.com/), a radically inclusive street-level organization that uses a community model of caring to walk alongside people who are hungry, homeless and hurting in Northumberland County or the Northumberland Humane Society (https://northumberlandhs.com/). Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Family and friends, please feel free to share photos and memories of Kimberley on the funeral home's website. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).