Obituary of Clara Phillips

It is with great sorrow, that we, the family of Clara Phillips of We’koqmaq, announce her peaceful passing, which occurred Thursday, March 27, 2025.

We can only imagine the joyous, heavenly reunion with her children, Corporal Clint Phillips, Colt Noel and Cimon Jordan. What a joyous moment that the heavens above orchestrated and witnessed.

Clare lived, worked and loved with her heart on her sleeve. As she walked through the halls at the We’koqmaq Mi’kmaq School for 30 years, she did with enthusiasm, encouragement, pride and love for everyone. WMS was blessed with her presence, she was there for every event, every occasion and every student. The Decorator of graduations, proms, Christmas Concerts, her eye for making the plain walls come to life with passion was astounding. You simply did not attend an event; you knew you were there to witness a transformation.

As well as encouraging students with her love and pride of our language, she also kept up staff morale with her annual countdowns, count down to Christmas Break, March Break and Grading Day in June.  Described as a female MacGyver, she could fix, repair, make, create and was the saviour of many jams. She did that with a smile. The Staff and students of WMS will miss your presence, your kindness is forever etched in so many memories and stories. The halls of WMS will forever hold you near and dear.

Clare was full of love for her family, her friends and her chosen son, Jarvis Googoo. Her family ties rang loud and proud, the Sylliboy’s, the Poulette’s, the Cremo’s, the Phillips. Her cruises with her friends, such as Doris Googoo, Keith Wilmot and her sidekick niece, Angela Phillips Googoo. Many a Chase the Ace, Cribbage nights were attended by Clare. Speaking of Crib, she played a mean game of it, becoming Champ on some nights or giving everyone a pretty tough competition! On behalf of the Firemen’s Crib nights, Clare, you will be so missed, especially by your brother and cribbage partner, Rod Phillips.

Humble, graceful and full of wisdom. You couldn’t meet a more down to earth person. Dedicated to her family, friends, school and community. She helped and volunteered so quietly, never boastful although she definitely earned the right to do so. She just showed up, helped out with a beautiful smile.

If you ever went to Clare’s, you left with a plant. She loved her plants. She spoke to them and nurtured them into beauty. She would smile just talking about her plants.

Clare was deeply devoted to our Lord, she knew that when her time came that her sons were going to lead her home. Welcome home Clare.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O lord and let the perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace,

Clare is survived by her brother, Rod (Ida) Phillips; sister, Christine (Roderick) Googoo; her chosen son, Jarvis Googoo; her grandchildren, Sean Googoo, Jayden Denny, Riel Peters and Kenneth Googoo; her numerous nieces and nephews; her cousins and many friends; her Godchildren, Christian “Monk” Phillips, Mercadies “Mercy” Marshall; her Godmother, Veronica “Florence” Young.

She is predeceased by her brother, Richard Phillips; sister, Caroline Phillips; the father of her children, Keith Clayton Bernard; her sons, Clint Joseph, Colt Noel and Cimon Jordan (CJ); her parents, Joseph and Mary Ellen Phillips; Grandparents, Nancy (William Sylliboy) and Simon Nevin, Andrew and Elizabeth Phillips; her Godfather, Fred Young; Witapt~pna’q James Sylliboy.

Visitation will start on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 2pm in the family residence, 200 Reservation Road, We’koqmaq. Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10am in Blessed St. Kateri Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, We’koqmaq with Fr. Joby Augustin and Deacon Berkley Guthro officiating. Burial to take place at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com