Claire Marguerite Gardam
1965-2022
Claire Marguerite Gardam passed away at home on November 30, 2022 with her husband Dave by her side.
Claire was born in Holberg, BC on December 24, 1965, to parents Ian and Marguerite, later welcoming Gail Read. She spent her childhood in Ottawa, and at the family cottage in Golden Lake, where her love of the outdoors started at an early age.
Claire had a love of music and started piano at a very young age, eventually achieving Royal Conservatory Grade 10. In addition to piano, she also played clarinet, and more recently the bagpipes - a beautiful instrument when played well, which Claire eventually did. She always said it was her Scottish roots that drew her to the pipes.
Claire attended Carleton University, where she was a member of the varsity swim team – an activity she loved her whole life. She joined the Governor General’s Foot Guard as a member of the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill. She was proud to be one of the first three women to hold the post. Upon graduation, Claire transferred to the Canadian Armed Forces, in Halifax as a Military Police Security Officer, where she met her husband, Dave Gardam. Ironically, she met her future father-in-law first on the service flight east. She served her country with honour, and upon release, took her Human Resources Certificate from St. Mary’s University – completing the program, with Distinction, in record time.
Claire was an enthusiastic volunteer, and later facilitator, with the Dog Therapy Program in Halifax. She loved taking the dog (Fundy, then Keji) to visit residents of a local seniors home, and the joy that brought to people. She was awarded the Order of St. John for her exceptional contribution to the program.
Claire’s spiritual strength came from nature and she loved all outdoor activities. She hiked the West Coast trail, the Fundy circuit, hiked across Scotland, and paddled from Kingston to Ottawa in her kayak – to name a but a few of her outdoor exploits.
Claire was also incredibly creative, and loved sewing, stained glasswork, and knitting, among others.
Claire and Dave were married for 29 incredible years. It was a love affair that grew every day, though Claire often joked that she really married Dave for his daughters, Kate and Erin. Claire and Dave retired in Wolfville, where she was an active member of the community. She founded the Wolfville Pipe & Drum Band, and joined the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation Board, eventually becoming president. She and Dave were also active in the Kentville Curling Club.
Claire always maintained a positive outlook. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and through years of challenging treatments, and later at the end of her life - she never once complained. Claire lived life to the fullest, and truly embraced the spirit of Carpe Diem.
Claire is survived by her husband, Dave, their daughters, Kate Everdell (her husband Ian, and children Ben and Lucy) and Erin Gardam. She will also be greatly missed by her father Ian McDonald (his wife, Gail Read), brother Stephen McDonald (his wife, Maricel, and sons, Michael and Marcus), and Gardam siblings John and Mary, Bob and Carol, and Mike and Jodie, her nieces and nephews, as well as mother-in-law Elaine Gardam.
Claire was predeceased by her mother, Marguerite (Duggan) McDonald, and father-in-law, John Gardam.
A Celebration of Life will held on December 10th from 2-4pm at the Garden Room in the Irving Centre, at 32 University Ave., in Wolfville. Claire will be interred on July 7th, 2023 at 2pm at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation.