Memories of Kathleen Claire Holzwarth

Ms. Claire, you are gone but never forgotten.

Thank you for being an amazing human being. Celebrate the memories with mommy and know that we love you and your memories lives on forever❤️❤️❤️

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Hello World! https://prize-sense.life/?u=2vtpd0d&o=ywzbvvy&m=1?hs=b5949aa287b07bf0409def790a7b0c09& w4cq5e

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Annie Thomas-Diceman

Dear Lisa & Karl & Mr. Holzarth,

I've been thinking about what to write here about your mom who my kids always called Grandma Claire.

I met Mrs. Holzwarth shortly after I met Lisa in university in 1992. Lisa's life and mine often ran in parallel and I found my relationship with her mom special, as I always felt treated like another daughter.

She never failed to call or visit when in town visiting Lisa and always invited us to visit if we were heading anywhere near her home in Dorval. She never forgot to send me a Christmas card and regularly asked about my family, parents and kids.

She was someone who genuinely cared. Her actions and efforts never seemed to be a chore and she did everything with a smile or a laugh. She was always kind and loving and had a open nature about herself that was such a pleasure to be around. Her gift at looking at life was always pragmatic while also being optimistic that things would turn out the way they should.

In her later years when her health was affected, not once - not, even, once, did I hear her complain. Instead she focused on what she could do and worked on improving what was possible. She really was a "glass is totally full" kind of person and taught me that despite what you face in your life, you can choose to embrace it and carry on.

She made the effort to be with her family whenever and wherever they were while still doing the things she loved (like never missing the Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament in Toronto every summer). She loved her grandson Spencer, her husband and kids. She had this 'way' about her. A quiet but steadfast belief in her family that their choices were always the best for them and that they would always be their best selves. She nurtured a family relationship with her children that highlighted the love and care they had for each other which in turn created a family that worked together and in this case, kept her needs at the forefront till the end.

I feel that her essence is in both Lisa & Karl.

Her soul is not far when you are near any of them. Lisa, you are one of my closest friends and I see the person you are. Your mother played such a role in helping to shape you and left in you a desire to help, to develop strong and lasting relationships and to persevere. Despite her passing, I feel she is still here.

I am so sorry that she is gone. I know she has left a big hole in my life and can only believe you are living with a bigger version of the same thing. I will miss her too. My deepest condolences to you Lisa, Karl and Mr. Holzwarth.

Love Annie

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Andrew Ford

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Marjorie Dixon

2017, Dorval, QC, Canada

Jean Dixon and her beloved friend Claire

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Comments:

Marjorie Dixon

My mom loved her friend dearly. She was a fellow Jamaican “auntie” to me and just genuinely kind. I remember... Read more My mom loved her friend dearly. She was a fellow Jamaican “auntie” to me and just genuinely kind. I remember feeling so touched... Read more My mom loved her friend dearly. She was a fellow Jamaican... Read more

Suzanne Chrétien

2000, Company Lesters in Laval, Quebec

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Suzanne Chrétien

I still can’t believe that Claire is gone.
I thought that she was invincible,
She was such a fighter and she showed us extraordinary levels of resilience and generosity.
I have fond memories of our years working together at Lesters and the precious group dinners that followed after her retirement.
Here is a picture of that day in July 2000.
A planned retirement that was unfortunately affected by scleroderma.
Again, I want to offer my sincere condolences to you, Karl, Lisa & Richard.
I feel blessed to have been part of her life.
Suzanne Chrétien

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Len Baskin

To Claire's family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Claire was my patient for the past 7 years and she was always a joy to see and to treat. No matter what, she always had a smile (and a nice one at that).
Len Baskin

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Mary Schwier

1978, Mexico

Field Hockey Trip to Mexico

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Mary Schwier

I first met Claire when I moved to teach at Knox College in 1975. I was so pleased to be able to continue playing hockey, and remember the Island wide 6 aside hockey tournaments that were held at Kirkvine for both senior clubs and schools. Claire was instrumental in all these tournaments and tours abroad. After Claire and family moved to Canada, we always kept in touch. I will always remember the last time I met with Claire in 2012 when
travelling from England to Cayman via Montreal and her generous hospitality so I could stay over for a few days and see the city.
I trust that all the good memories will give all peace at this time.
Mary Schwier

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Francis Pearson

Francis Pearson-
I first met Claire when I moved to Mandeville next to the Hplzwarth's on Timber Trails in 1972. She was very kind and helpful in getting me settled.
At that time a group of us formed a hockey club and Claire was the women's captain and main 'mover and shaker' in the club. She was integral in organising events for the club such as bingo sessions, parties and 5 tours abroad. Some of the parties were at the Holzwarth's.
Over the 1970's I was a frequent 'drop in' visitor to their house and was always welcome and Claire was the perfect hostess. We all discussed how to 'right the world' and played cards and other games for many hours.
When they moved to Canada Claire kept in touch and despite not ever seeing our son, she sent birthday and Christmas presents for many years for him.
I will always remember Claire for her irrepressible nature, her happy and positive outlook on life and am very grateful to have known her as a close friend.
God bless you Claire RIP.

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Jocelyne Unger

Dear Holzwarth family, I have such fond memories of Claire and all the activities we participated in together! She showed me to be present in the moment and to enjoy! I am sorry for your loss.
Jocelyne

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David Chinloy

Claire Holzwarth is my friend, she makes me laugh, sometimes at myself. She has given me joyous moments and happy memories. I would like to share a few of these memories.
When the Holzwarths were about to migrate to Canada, Claire remained in Jamaica for a few months while Dick encamped to Montreal. Claire mentioned that she had never been to a cricket test match. I invited her to the England match, in the early eighties West Indies (W.I.). were kings, and we journeyed from Mandeville to Sabina Park to drink in the excitement and atmosphere.
Later in Montreal, Claire would play hostess, as Dick and I solved problems small and great, from the intricacies of industrial plant design to how particles flow and settle on irregular surfaces. As the discussion went into the night and the morning, and spirits appeared, we tackled larger problems. As I look back, these moments were intellectually stimulating and satisfying, and Claire allowed the space to challenge ourselves and succeed.
Gigi, my wife, and I were privileged to have a magical ten days in Guatemala to celebrate Karl and Trish’s wedding. We shared a B. & B. with Lisa and Claire in the quaint city of Antigua, a UNESCO heritage site, and marveled at the holy week procession. As usual with her determination and persistence, Claire had found a wonderful place and her spirit of adventure had brought us to a once in lifetime experience.
So for Claire, a full life – sportswoman - national hockey player, wife, mother, world traveler, friend. A rock to all when needed, and full of energy and grit. Yes, you can have it all.
I will treasure your friendship and keep you alive in my memories and prayers.

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Rose Gibbs

Claire in Montréal's Old Port

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Barbara Williams

To the Holzwarth & Gray Family: I extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of Claire. Hold dear unto the treasured memories you all shared. Whatever uplifts and encourages, may it light your way during this difficult time. From Barbara Williams & family.

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Barbara Williams

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Rose Gibbs

Dear Dick, Lisa and Karl,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will really miss Claire. She was a wonderful friend who did not change despite the passing of time. She has been a good friend to me over many years. I will never forget her kindness, generosity, hospitality, genuine warmth and caring nature. Claire was non-judgmental so when you told her a story which showed that you really messed up, she would not say, “I told you so” or “What were you thinking?”
I first met Claire in Mandeville in 1977. Lisa was still at Bel Air prep school and I was Lisa’s French teacher for a brief period. In that year, Lennox worked with Dick in the old Alcan Jamaica Systems Department at Kirkvine. Dick and Lennox got on well and so we were kindly entertained by Claire on several occasions.
Later, after Claire, Dick, Lisa and Karl moved to Montreal our family also ended up there in the late 80’s. So, the friendship continued. More recently, I would see Claire on her visits to Lisa in Toronto. Whenever she called and said that she was at Lisa’s we would usually manage to get together for dinner. On her last visit to Toronto, however, despite my saying to Lisa, that we should really get together, “… because, you never know…”, I somehow managed to allow myself to be deterred by winter in Toronto. I remember saying to Claire on the phone, just before her trip to Guatemala, “I’ll see you when you get back”. I only had one other conversation with her on the phone when it seemed that she was on the mend. At that time, I just assumed that “everything was gonna be alright”.
Despite, and probably because of Claire’s ongoing health conditions, she never failed to ask about my children who also live with a chronic condition. She would always recommend a trip to Jamaica as a certain remedy, (if not a sure cure), for my daughter Nadia’s symptoms. Claire definitely believed that Jamaica would do it.
I really admired, and I want to use the present tense and say, admire, Claire for her ability to adapt to life’s changing situations. If she had a motto, I would say, it must be something like, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” or perhaps one could say she always saw the glass as half full. What a wonderful way to live one’s life! She was and is an inspiration.
Dick, Karl and Lisa, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I hope that you will be comforted in knowing that Claire touched a lot of lives for the better and was a good friend to the end. She will live on in our memories and in our hearts.

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Gaye Simpson

Mr. Dick, Lisa & Karl, my deepest condolences on the loss of your precious wife and mom..

It’s not very often that a person enters your life and leaves a lifetime impact and a lasting impression.

My mother Gem worked for Ms. Claire as a Housekeeper and Nanny back in the late 70’s, as a result Ms. Claire played a crucial role in my siblings and my upbringing. My family and I are indebted to Ms. Claire for her generosity and kindness over the years. She ever so willingly and consistently ensured that we were always taken care of.

I have fond memories of the smell of the delicious meals cooked in Ms. Claire’s home, particularly chicken soup for which the smell lingers with me up to today. Ms. Claire made sure we were fed and even though she was always on the go she would pause and dine with us. We had some good laughs together.

This amazing human being was selfless and wanted nothing more than to make sure everyone was taken care of. Her mild tone was always reassuring and comforting and would put a smile of your face despite bad days.

It is with great sadness that I write about Ms. Claire in the past tense, but writing this remembrance makes me smile, just reflecting on the fun memories we had. I am forever grateful that we crossed paths in life.

Mr. Dick, Lisa and Karl.. Ms. Claire’s light will always shine bright and I pray that I can be as good a human as she was and make a positive impact on someone’s life.

The other night mommy and I spent time just talking about the good times with Ms. Claire. She will
always live on in our hearts.. we mourn and celebrate Ms. Claire’s life with you...

Please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences on your loss. Ms. Claire was all about family and Lisa and Karl, you were her world she loved, you both dearly.

Rest well Ms. Claire. Thank you for accepting my family and I into your home and you life. You are missed beyond words. 🕊💐🕊💐.

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Lisa Howard

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Georgia Chinloy

David knew Claire a lot longer than I did. It was sometime after David and I got married that I met Claire, who at that time, had already lived in Montreal. I first met her on one of her many visits back to Jamaica.
She knew how to have a good time and also to make her family and friends have a great time as well. She was always opening up her home to us when we visited Montreal and sometimes was our tour guide like when she took us to grounds of Formula 1 and Expo 67, summer concerts or just shopping.
Our best time together was when we went to Karl and Trish's wedding in Guatamela and we went to the Good Friday procession in Granada. It was a miracle that Claire was able to find us a place to stay there as this is where one of the biggest replica of the Cruxifiction takes place and this attracts a lot of tourists. But Claire with her determination and her computer skills was able to find the only available place left. The only other person I know of who could pull this off is her son, Karl.
Although she had challenges with her health, she kept on going - doing the things that she enjoyed like coming to Toronto for the Roger's Cup tennis. We enjoyed her visits to Toronto so that we could reciprocate and, we hope, showed her good times.
I know Dick, Lisa and Karl will miss her a lot but they can take comfort in knowing she had a good life and they were her all.
You had a great life Claire, you lived it the way you wanted. Rest in peace!
Georgia Chinloy

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kevin Cann

The first time I met Claire was when I was 27 I just opened up my first garage. She was always very kind and nice to me . Karl was always braking cars , so we used to laugh about how bad a driver he was.
Ever since then we have become friends and more than just a client.
Claire was just a sweet and kind person that i'm so glad to have known , I miss here and will always have those good memories of the times we talked .

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Desmond Yu

I will remember her as a programmer of life, always communicate with kind, positive, sincere, enthusiastic, understanding and love. I thank God in having her into my life, especially in those cloudy days. Claire once showed up at work and cheered me up with a chocolate cheese cake she made. Thanks so much to Lisa, Karl and Dick, my sincere condolences to you and family.

Desmond, Betty and Justin

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Karl Holzwarth

Thank you Desmond for sharing your words. It has me wondering... I dont think I ever got a Chocolate Cheese... Read more Thank you Desmond for sharing your words. It has me wondering... I dont think I ever got a Chocolate Cheese Cake! :) Thank you Desmond for sharing your words. It has me... Read more

Beverley Gray

2010, Austin, TX, USA

At This time words fail me on the passing of my sister Claire. May God put her in a special place where she will be watching us, the people who loved and cherished her. Lets remember that a person that departs from this earth never truly leaves for they are still alive in our hearts and through us they live on. Heartfelt sympathy to all.

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Diane Heron

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lloyd dixonsr

My sincere condolences and sympathy to you at this time of grieving and i hope you'll stay strong
-Lloyd Dixon

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Karl Holzwarth

Curaçao

More field hockey! This one is from a match in Curacao

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Comments:

Mary Schwier

This was 1979 - Mandeville took two teams - I have a picture very similar to this - Claire did so much for... Read more This was 1979 - Mandeville took two teams - I have a picture very similar to this - Claire did so much for the Mandeville Club.... Read more This was 1979 - Mandeville took two teams - I have ... Read more

Maria Agbo

I knew you Mrs. Holzwarth initially through your care boxes that you sent to Lisa every month when she moved to Toronto for university. The care package was an envy which included anything you considered Lisa needed or liked from Rum cake to toilet papers (yes toilet papers foresight for shortage 30 years later). You visited Toronto and invited me to join you and Lisa hopping Caravan sites through the city. You paced yourself with a traveller’s broad and calm spirit, kindness and grace. Your love for your child extended to her friends. You are the mother that I am trying to become now sheltering the children with unconditional love providing confidence and unwavering support. Please rest in eternal peace, Mrs. Holzwarth. We will all unite on the other side of the rainbow 🌈 one day soon to come. Maria

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Karl Holzwarth

Jamaica

A photo to help jog your memomry Kay Wilson :)

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Comments:

Kathleen Wilson

Kay Wilson still trying to remember even the names of a little bit about the hockey days with Claire in Mandeville.... Read more Kay Wilson still trying to remember even the names of a little bit about the hockey days with Claire in Mandeville. Wonderful... Read more Kay Wilson still trying to remember even the names ... Read more

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