MCCLELLAND, M. Alice (Johnston)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Nana and Great Nana.  Alice passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday afternoon, September 15, 2014, at the Walford on the Park Residence in Copper Cliff.  She was in her 86th year. Alice was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Guy, in 2007. Remaining to cherish her memory are her children, Karen Wall of Winnipeg, and Kathy Wierzbicki (husband Ed) of Sudbury; her grandchildren Jason Wall (wife Jacqueline) of Winnipeg, Kyle Wierzbicki (wife Erin Farquharson) of Vaughan, Jessica Wall (partner Graham King) of Winnipeg and Logan Wierzbicki of Sudbury; and her precious great grandsons Jaxson, Stellan and Julius.  Alice is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lola Johnston and Iona Weisenberg, of Pembroke, and one brother-in-law, Lowell McClelland, of Beachburg, along with several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her two brothers, Gordon and Gillan Johnston, and infant sister, Joy.    Alice was born on September 27, 1928 in Beachburg, Ontario to Henry and Lillian Johnston (nee McLean). She lived in Beachburg and Pembroke during her formative years.  Alice was a high achiever in school and received the J. Deacon Taylor gold medal for the highest academic achievement in the township of Westmeath in Grade 8, and a scholarship to Queen’s University after completing Grade 12 at the Beachburg Continuation School in 1945. Alice met the love of her life, Guy, when she was 14 years old, and their relationship lasted over 6 decades.  They were married in Beachburg on October 9, 1946 and lived there for the first three years of their married life. Their first child, Karen, was born there.  In 1950 they moved to Sudbury and Guy began his career at Falconbridge Nickel Mines. Their second child, Katherine, was born in Sudbury in 1952. Alice was a vibrant and active young mother.  Her daughters remember her as always ready to play and could often be seen skipping or playing hopscotch with them.   When the girls entered school she became involved in the Home and School Association, and acted as president of the organization for a time.  After the girls were older, Alice began her career in retail at the newly constructed “New Sudbury Shopping Centre”; first at Reitmans, followed by A. L. Greens, then as Assistant Manager at Fairweathers, and, in her later years, at Sears Catalogue Office. She remained close, life-long friends with many of the staff members she met at those stores. Alice and Guy always enjoyed social gatherings and parties with family and friends.  In their young married years they belonged to a mixed bowling league.  In their later years membership at the Royal Canadian Legion and volunteer work with the Mended Hearts Cardiac Support Group kept them active and involved.  Alice and Guy were also longstanding, vital members of the St. Stephen’s-On-The-Hill United Church congregation, and were founding members at its inception in the basement of a building on Carmen Street. Alice was a creative and amazing hostess and enjoyed nothing better than spending time with family or friends at cottages on the Ottawa River and around the backyard pool on Holland Road.  Drop-in guests were always welcome anytime. Alice and Guy loved to travel and had some wonderful holidays that included coast to coast trips across Canada, and sunny vacations to Hawaii, Venezuela, Las Vegas, Mexico and Florida.  To Nana’s delight, the children and grandchildren often joined them when they were in Florida. A particularly special time in Alice’s life were the years that she cared for her grandsons, Kyle and Logan, while Kathy pursued her career in education.   Alice was a fantastic mother and a doting, loving Nana and Great Nana.  She had a sharp mind, a witty sense of humour and a warm, loving heart. She was loved every day of her life. Now she will be missed every day by those who loved her.  What better legacy could she leave behind?  Go in peace, Alice, and wait for the rest of us.   The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the hard-working staff at the Walford on the Park Residence, along with the “We Care” personal support workers, who so tenderly and lovingly cared for Alice during her time there.  Resting at Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home in Sudbury.  Visitation: Saturday, September 20th after 11:00am.  A funeral service will follow in the Chapel at 2:00pm.  Interment will take place in the Beachburg Union Cemetery on Sunday, September 21st at 1:00pm.   In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society are much appreciated.