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RAENA CLARA Obituary

CLARA
Raena (Longden) Clara was born February 18, 1942 to Rose Edna Simpson and James Longden and passed away Monday, March 2, 2026. She is predeceased by her husband Romeo and is survived by her four children Laureen, Jeff, Eric, and Ian and two grandchildren Christopher and Madeline. Our mom was a lady of kindness and love, a proper lady right up until the very end, and our dad called her "the oil" that made everything go smoothly and nicely. All her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart, as did her dog Lucy and her cat Maisie. She loved growing up in Vickers Heights, and then all the crazy Clara family fun in the Westfort years. Raena was blessed to have many lifelong friends such as her Card Club and the people she worked with and met through being a teacher and a real estate agent, and even after 60 years there were always hugs when meeting up with former grade school students and clients. Together with Romeo, Raena started Clara Real Estate and helped run a successful company for 20 years. She was very proud to have graduated with an English degree from Lakehead University later in life. Raena had many passions and hobbies, and she enjoyed helping in the community and writing a few magazine articles. Later on she enjoyed travelling and re-connecting with cousins in England and her neighbours in Arizona. Great fun was had by family and friends at many gatherings at the Clara household and the camp at Hick's Lake, always accompanied by Romeo on the accordion and sometimes with mom on her guitar. Raena always enjoyed having company around and creating wonderful memories and laughter for everyone. Raena was the most easy-going, fun-loving co-pilot anyone could have; for a day trip to Duluth, an afternoon drive, hosting a dinner party, or going for a walk. If you got to spend time with her you loved her. If not, she would tell you "Life is shorter than you think, don't worry, go have fun." Thank-you to all the hospital staff at the Regional Hospital and St. Joe's who were exceptional in their care for our mom, and always made sure she was comfortable. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Church (664 Red River Road) on Friday, March 6th, at 10:30 am with a reception to follow. Those unable to attend in person may due so via livestream which can be found on the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens after the reception. As expressions of sympathy, memorials to the Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated.

On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Mar. 5, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for RAENA CLARA

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11 Entries

Anne Parr

March 7, 2026

My deepest condolences to Raena's family. Raena would often surprise me when she would show up to a fitness class eager to move interact and have FUN. Her focus was wellness and health. Her memories will always bring a Smile. God bless you all during this difficult time Anne Parr

Jim Leonard

March 6, 2026

Laurie , Jeff . Eric , Ian , and Family : So very sorry for your loss , Raena , was a gift , to anyone who knew her , and , to know her was to love her . The sun will not shine as bright in our world anymore . She will be missed.

Renée Wrightsell

March 6, 2026

Dearest Clara Family.
I'm so sad to hear of the loss of your wonderful Mother.

She was one of my favourite teachers at St. Stanislaus School!!

Always so soft spoken and a smile that made you smile.... luved her dimples too!

Such a lady.

Lovingly,
Renée Wrightsell (Barnes)

Susan McCartney

March 6, 2026

Dear Laurie, Jeff, Eric and Ian
We were deeply saddened to learn of Raena´s passing. She was a wonderful, warm woman with a beautiful smile and a great sense of humour. Jack shared office space with your parents for many years and we had great respect and affection for them both. May all your precious memories be a blessing.
Susan McCartney and Family

Eileen & Bob Eady

March 5, 2026

So sorry to hear of Raena´s passing. She was a great lady!
Raena & Romeo were great people to work for at Clara Real
Estate & over the years we became great friends. We have many fond memories of times spent with them in Arizona.

Lois sebesta

March 5, 2026

Sincere condolences to the Clara family. Rae a was a special neighbour and friend and enjoyed company together in Arizona. She will be greatly missed sincerely Lois and Paul Sebesta and family.

Rose Zaffarano

March 5, 2026

So sorry to hear of your dear moms passing, Raena was truly a jewel, with her pleasent demenor, always made you feel warm and comfortable. Raena will be sorely missed . Sincere condolences Rose and Tony Zaffarano, Phillips st neighbors

Terry and Tudy Stevenson

March 5, 2026

Dear Laurie, Jeff, Eric and Ian
So sorry to hear of your moms passing, she was a great friend and travelling companion for many, many years, as well as our daughter Lori´s Godmother.
She will be dearly missed,however we have many fond memories of our great times together.
Rest in peace Raena
Terry and Tudy

Lucia Verardo

March 5, 2026

Dear Laurie, Jeff, Eric, Ian and all family and friends.....
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom, Raena. I will always remember our good conversations and being neighbours for the many years we were. Reflect on your wonderful memories always. Rest in peace forever Raena..............
Lucia Verardo

Georgie

March 5, 2026

Dear Jeff
So sad to tead about your moms passing. She was always a joyful , kind and sweet person who looked at life as a gift to be enjoyed and explored. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, encouraging and supportive ways and kind heart.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May you find strength in your memories and each other

Brian and Elaine Thompson

March 5, 2026

Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was indeed a great lady and a great neighbour. Always a smile and kind words, we are all better for having known her

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21 North Court Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4T4