Obituary of José Yvonne Clowater

José Yvonne (Coleman) Clowater died peacefully on Saturday, May 3rd 2014 in the loving care of Kings Way Care Centre, at the age of 91 with her family by her side. Born in Tottenham London, England on April 24th 1923, she was the only child of the late Frank and Drusilla (DeHaan) Coleman. Jose was so proud of her father who gave her a fulfilling childhood, against all odds after the passing of her mother. The late Lily May (Warren) Barnard, lovingly referred to as Mum Barnard and Headmistress Winnifred Rose of Pembury Preparatory School, helped raise her. Her father nurtured her love of music, natural beauty and most of all reading. A graduate of Clark’s College at the age of 16 she worked in war torn London during the infamous blitz. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, the late Roy H. Clowater, a Canadian soldier, serving in Europe. They married August 22, 1942. In 1946 as a war bride she immigrated to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax with a steamer trunk full of books instead of clothes. She spoke of leaving the mild English winters and superb transportation systems only to arrive at the Ludlow train station in the depth of a Canadian winter, where she was met by her new father- in-law driving a horse and sleigh. José had a passion for lifelong learning. She was a skilled artist passing along her knowledge to youth in the community. A calligraphist, her India ink inscriptions and illustrations decorate many commemorative books. She taught herself Braille and spent endless hours transcribing books for the CNIB. Among her achievements, she co-authored and proofed numerous books on the lives of early settlers along the Miramichi. Her communication skills were highly revered and she was often asked for assistance from members of the community to write letters and speeches for them. As an environmentalist, and human rights activist, her articles appeared on a regular basis in newsprint. José was an active member of the Anglican Church and a woman of strong faith. She worked for the American Metal Company during their mineral exploration in Central New Brunswick, taught at the Porter Cove Elementary School and was the first secretary of the Miramichi Salmon Association. She was a founding member of the Central New Brunswick Nursing Home, the Central New Brunswick Woodman’s Museum and the Boiestown Community School Library (Upper Miramichi Community Library). She was affiliated with the Board of Trade and Legion Branch 78 and organized a War Brides Group. As an animal lover she was well known for rescuing creatures both wild and domestic and she organized many fund raisers for the SPCA. José is survived by her son Shane (Wendy)Clowater, daughter Betty Ann (Laurie) Waugh, grandchildren; Timothy (Kristine) Waugh, Robert (Tina) Waugh, Andrea Waugh, Chandra (Pemelika) Fiaui and Brent (Michelle) Clowater, great-grandchildren; Brittany, Gaige, Brianna , Haley, Lauren, Tyler and Aaliyah and several nieces, nephews and godchildren. Her family and friends were the greatest treasure in her life. José was a remarkable person and will forever be missed by all who knew her. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Holy Trinity Church in Hammond River, NB on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 2pm. ‘By love they are remembered and in memory they live.’ - Unknown