Clare Mary (Smithers) Moore

Clare Mary Moore, nee Smithers, was born on January 16, 1938, to John and Elizabeth Smithers of Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland. She grew up on Lower Churchtown Road with her brother John, and sister Marie. As a young girl, Clare was full of energy and adventure and was often under the eye of her parents for antics such as scaling rooftops, climbing trees and concocting unique bakery delicacies, including orange cake - with the peel left on!

As a young adult, she joined the world of socialites, high fashion, and dance parties alongside her best friends Ann and Monica. At the age of 20, the trio emigrated to Canada, sailing from Liverpool in 1958 aboard the Empress of England. In Toronto, Clare worked for PG Tipps while being courted by Peter Moore, also from Dublin. They were engaged on Christmas Eve, 1959, and were married the following May 1960 in Toronto.

Clare and Peter moved to Rochester, NY where they began their family with three daughters, Sheila (Chris), Trish (Ron) and Elizabeth. In October 1964 they moved back to Toronto where they welcomed Clare (Richard), and in 1969, returned to Dublin where Celine (Greg) and Sarah (Kelly) rounded out the family of six daughters.

In the spring of 1977, the family left Ireland moving back to Toronto and eventually settled in Calgary, Alberta. Clare worked for Canada Post and then for the Health Services clinic at SAIT. During this time the family grew adding 13 grandchildren, Kaitlan, Justin, Jennifer, Lucas, Leanne, Charlotte, Abby, Eric, Sarah, Jared, Ella, Liam and Isaiah, and 4 great grandchildren, Destiny, Malachai, Jazaria and Oliver, to their daily joy and bragging rights.

Clare and Peter lived out their retirement in Scenic Acres, making regular trips to the Highwood Dining Room at SAIT, Amandine Bakery, Kananaskis, and Middle Beach Lodge, near Tofino. In April 2024, Peter returned home to heaven. In her remaining years, Clare resided at the Auburn Heights assisted living community in Calgary where she was content, happy and had great friends, particularly with her companion care team, from My Choice Home Health Services, whom she cherished and compensated generously with hugs, selfies and liberal “cookie currency”. 

Clare lived a full and vibrant life. She was a woman of deep faith and reserved a profound spiritual connection with the Virgin Mary, at her bedside, under her pillow on a prayer card, and on a gold chain - her miraculous medal. Clare also had a direct line to St. Anthony, and she called on him regularly. St. Therese, the little flower, often sent Clare roses from her heavenly garden, always with a message of love. Clare’s faith was undeniable and so very strong. She generously lived her life in the image of Christ’s love.

On March 30, 2026, at the age of 88, Clare took her leave of this earthly life joining her forever-love Peter, in heaven. We have no doubt her celestial prayer team was waiting with arms outstretched to welcome her home to eternal peace. Rest easy Mom, Grandma, Clare, you’ve earned it. Slán abhaile and God Bless, Begin the Beguine and say hello to Dad.

Slán abhaile (safe home) is the Irish Gaelic term to express the hope that the departed has found their way to the spiritual realm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary) on Wednesday April 29, 2026 at 11:00 am. Live-streaming will be available for those unable to attend in person. Reception and Tributes to follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Salvation Army.

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