Clara Gloade – 79, Millbrook First Nation, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday evening, April 16, 2015, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born July 14, 1935, in Truro, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Annie (Sylliboy) Gloade.
Clara was a grade twelve graduate from St. Joseph Convent in Mabou and also received a Commercial Art Diploma which included courses in bookkeeping, typing, business law, short hand, economics, math, English and history. She started Girl Guides on her Reserve and was active in all types of sports. Clara entered the convent with Sisters of Congregation Du Notre Dame for eleven years and also served as a midwife in various regions. While with the Congregation, she studied at Douglas Hospital in Verdun, Quebec, and received her Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Diploma and pin. She then studied at St. Francis Xavier University for two and a half years with a major in Psychology, but had to leave the Congregation to go back home and look after her parents who were both ill; her father had both his legs amputated and her mother had a major operation.
Clara then received her certificate in Welfare Development Administration and was a Band Manager for 23 years and Social Development Officer for Millbrook First Nation. For a number of years, Clara has been involved with Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association where she served as President for over 20 years and has also served on the Board of Directors with Native Women’s Association of Canada. She was also very active with the Sisters in Spirit campaign, with violence against women and children and worked as a volunteer to try and improve Bill C-31 and have children of 6(2) status gain their rights. Clara received an award from Native Women of Canada for her 25 plus years of volunteer work for Native women’s issues and Native women’s rights and also served on the Advisory Council for Nova Institute Prison for Women. She also served on the Board of Directors for Ulnooweg Development Group for several years until 2009.
Clara was also involved in and contributed to many other activities and committees and thanked God for the strength to do all of this; she is also a cancer survivor and thanked St. Anne every day for the cure. Clara’s life was a success story of unselfish service to others. In many ways, she paved the way politically for Native people through her dedication to the causes she believed in and worked hard for change. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and traditional Mi’kmaq practices.
Clara is survived by her son, Kevin Gloade; grandchildren, Zachary Thomas Gloade and MacKenzie Ann Gloade; Godchildren, Dale Cook, Samantha Cook, Barbara Dorey, Eric Eagles, Margaret Gloade, Richard Gloade, Jr., Roland Gloade, Bernadette Sylliboy; sister, Sarah Fiddes; brothers, Tom Gloade, Jack Gloade; several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Helen Gloade in infancy; brother, Levi (Bridget) Gloade; niece, Karlena Jane; nephews, Lester, Maurice.
Clara’s family will receive friends starting at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Millbrook Senior’s Centre, 841 Willow Street, Millbrook First Nation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2015, in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Church Road, Millbrook First Nation, Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. Interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Salité will follow in Millbrook Community Hall.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Clara’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com