Anna Claire Stinson
July 10, 2025
In Memoriam
Anna Claire STINSON
May 9, 1943 – July 10, 2025
It is with great sadness, after a well-lived life, we announce the passing of Claire at her home in Regina, SK on July 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Dalton, her children and stepchildren – John, Anna, Joseph, Susan, Samantha and Joshua Rizak, Lori Stinson and Jan Ritter; grandchildren – Holly, Cassandra, Addison, Nicole, Madeline, Conor, Eamonn, Maeve, Jada and Samuel; great-grandchildren – Lennon, Leo, Malia and Sunnie; Eleanor’s family in Ontario – Darren, John, Georgia, Angie, Marty and their families; other special family – Vaughn, Tony, Jane, Ben, Mike, Tye, Brett and Max. She is predeceased by her parents – Winnifred and Lloyd; brother Clarence; husband Harvey; stepson Greg; grandson Tyson; first husband Gene and brother-in-law Warren.
Born in Woodstock, Ontario, in May 1943, Claire grew up on a dairy farm in the Ingersoll, ON area and moved to London, ON after high school where she met her first husband, Gene whom she married in Montreal, QC in 1963. Claire had her first child, John, in Montreal, then the family moved to Vancouver, BC, where Anna, Joseph and Susan were born. In 1971, the growing family moved to Regina, SK where Samantha and Joshua were born. While the children were still young, Claire enjoyed many car trips back home to Ontario with the family during summers and had memorable trips abroad.
In the late 1980’s, Claire met her second husband, Harvey. Harvey and Claire built a wonderful home in Rosedale, BC and then settled in Chilliwack, BC for two and a half decades. Claire and Harv livened up retirement life by hosting children and grandchildren annually in the summer months, enjoying Cultus Lake, Harrison Hot Springs and summer travels east, as well as overseas.
Claire was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt; a kind, generous, caring and funny person who welcomed friends and family into her home right until the end. A wonderful cook, she made special occasions more special welcoming anyone and everyone into her home; her perogies, turkey dinners, homemade buns and apple pie were favorites. More notable than the food are the memories of the big gatherings and lively banter around the table. She was always willing to help others, whether it was walking a neighbour’s child to the school bus, opening her home to host people from a Chinese exchange program, or simply sewing a button on a shirt. She was an excellent seamstress and a clever problem solver around the house.
Claire enjoyed home life and creating a beautiful environment. In BC, Claire took full advantage of the longer gardening season and spent many years tending a beautiful, outdoor haven of greenery with colourful blooms that friends and family thoroughly enjoyed season to season.
In 2019, Claire moved back to the Cathedral area of Regina where she had raised her six children. Over her last years, she enjoyed grandchildren’s music concerts, visits with great grandchildren, video calls and texts with family, many an outdoor happy hour with the neighbours, her ‘pit of socialization’ and dinners with family and friends where she transitioned finally from host to her well-earned spot as guest.
Claire was always welcoming, warm and thoughtful. She had appreciation for everyone she met, often remembering everyone’s stories, and decorated her home with sentimental gifts she gathered from loved ones and friends over the years. Every item had a story and a meaning and she loved filling her space with them.
Claire was a treasure in our lives leaving us with appreciation and many wonderful memories. Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring people in her life, along with the incredible palliative care team that supported Claire and family in her final weeks.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in support of the Regina Early Learning Centre, the Canadian Cancer Society or your local food bank.
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Messages of Condolence
I was deeply saddened to hear of Claire’s passing. She was an extraordinary presence—warm, thoughtful, and always ready with a kind word or gentle humour that made everyone feel at ease. Her generosity of spirit extended well beyond her family, though it was clear from any conversation how deeply she loved them.I’ll always remember the quiet summer afternoons spent talking with Claire in the Cathedral area—those long, ambling conversations on the porch or over iced tea, where she’d share stories about her life, her travels, and the adventures of her beloved family. I particularly enjoyed the company of her niece’s cat, Luna, who would curl up near us as we talked. Somehow, Claire even made the cat seem like part of the conversation.She had a gift for hospitality that wasn’t just about food (though her baking was truly something special). It was about making space for people to feel remembered and at home. Whether it was a neighbour, a friend, or someone she’d just met, Claire made you feel like you’d known her for years.Her absence will be felt profoundly by all who were lucky enough to know her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who loved her. ~ Scott Pittendrigh
We were so heartbroken to hear about the passing of your wonderful mom, Claire. Please accept our deepest condolences.Claire was such a special soul—warm, gracious, and genuinely kind. Jon has such fond memories of the time he spent with her, especially during the renovations. He always enjoyed her company, her sense of humour, and the lovely chats they shared in between the hard work. She made those moments feel more like time with family than anything else.Her presence and loving nature touched everyone lucky enough to know her. We hope you can take some comfort in the many memories, and in the incredible legacy she leaves behind in you and your family.We’re holding you all in our hearts and are here for you in any way you need.With all our love and sympathy,Jon and Angie ~ Jon and Angie Orpe