Clara Giacomin

Clara was born on April 15, 1942, in Fonzaso, Belluno, Italy, to Maria Cambruzzi and Antonio Corso. She grew up with her sister, Luciana, and her brother, Albino. (Famiglia Rana)

In November 1962, Clara reluctantly left the town she knew and loved in Italy to begin a new life in Canada. On December 8, 1962, on the Feast Day of the Madonna, Clara (Lady) married Domenico (Milanta).

Together, they built a life and raised their three children: Andy (Terri), Lory (Reno), Nica (Domenic). Then came her true loves: her grandchildren, Justin (Brittney), Ryan, Sofia, Michela, Pietro, and Paolo. Her grandchildren will always remember playing checkers with Nonna and how she always played to win. They also remember how Nonna was always willing to take on their special crochet requests, whether it was a cozy blanket, a pair of slippers, or even a special outfit for the beloved grandpets. These were the little ways she showed her love.

Starting over in a new country was not easy. Clara had to learn a new language, culture, and way of life. She and Domenico worked hard to build a home and provide for their family. Clara proudly worked at Hudson’s Bay Company for 25 years, knowing that her contribution helped support the family she loved.

Clara was never quite your typical Italian woman. Coming from Northern Italy, she had a spirit all her own. She learned to sew from the nuns and had an incredible ability. Clara was ahead of her time; long before “reduce, reuse, and recycle” became popular, Clara already knew how to make the most of what she had. Nothing was wasted.

She could take leftover fabric from the matching outfits she had made for her children and transform even the smallest scraps into fashionable Barbie clothes. To Clara, a little piece of fabric was never just a scrap; it was an opportunity to create something new.

Her creativity could be seen in so many parts of her life. She loved painting, cross-stitching, writing poetry, and, of course, tending to her beautiful flowers. In the kitchen, her specialty was polenta served with fish or wild game her hunting husband and skilled son brought home. When it came to baking, however, Clara was perfectly happy to support the Italian Church’s bake sale by enjoying everyone else’s tasty treats.

Clara also had a wonderful independent streak and did things her own way. She drove a three-quarter-ton, long-box, extended-cab truck, picking up the ladies in the neighbourhood and taking them to church. Once she arrived, she loved to sing along with the choir.

Clara will be remembered for her faith, laughter, independence, creativity, and, most of all, her love of family. She brought the traditions and values of her Italian roots with her to Canada, while also creating a life that was uniquely her own.

She taught us that you do not need much to create something special. Sometimes, you simply need to look at what you have and see the possibilities.

Her light lives on through her children, her grandchildren, and all those who were blessed to have known and loved her.

Sempre nei nostri cuori.  Forever in our hearts.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Parish (404 Northmount Pl NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday September 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Live-streaming will be available through the link below. A Graveside Service will follow at Queens Park Cemetery.

This obituary has been authorized by the family of Clara Giacomin for posting on the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services website. Reproduction or redistribution without prior consent is prohibited.