Claire Crooks Death, Obituary- Claire died in her home Friday night, surrounded by family. Claire would tell us she did not lose; she simply ran out of innings. Her substack began with a few Facebook posts for friends and family, but it quickly expanded into something much bigger: a place to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, a network of support and comfort. Thank you for sharing her journey.
Claire was the beloved wife and soulmate of George Goodall; adored mom to Findlay (“Finn”, 18), Sydney (16), Grady (14), and Matilda (“Tilly”, 11); daughter of Art and Mary Jane Crooks (Lethbridge, Alberta); sister to Morgan (Aimee) of Madison, NJ and Hew (Kate) of Fairfield, CT; daughter-in-law to (late) Bill and Betty Goodall of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law to Rhys and Carol Goodall of Toronto; and the “cool” aunt to (late) Charlie, Crawford, Mary, Riley, Andrew, Shaen, and Evan.
In a hastily called ceremony at Victoria Hospital on June 21, Claire received investiture to the Order of Ontario from Lt. Governor Edith Dumont just before she passed away, despite being in excruciating pain. Claire got up awkwardly after the lecture and made some spontaneous, hilarious, appreciative, humble, and hopeful remarks. After that, she went to her own party. No one who knew her was astonished; everyone in attendance was amazed. “Celebration before sorrow; there will be time for tears tomorrow,” says Claire. Claire will always serve as an example for us all of what it is to live life to the fullest and to pass away with bravery, dignity, and grace.
