CLAIRE GRANT

Eleanor Claire Grant (formerly McKechnie and born Simons) died November 1, 2024, at the age of 93, after a full and productive life. Predeceased by her first husband, George McKechnie, of 18 years; and second husband, George Grant, of 30 years. Claire is survived by her beloved children, Amy Shubert (Edward), Neil McKechnie (Diane), and grandson, Nathan (Leah); her stepchildren, Joyce MacFarlane (Rob), Paul (predeceased) (Patty), and grandchildren, Erin Clee (Andrew), Grant MacFarlane (Caity), Craig MacFarlane and Ryan Grant. Born in Montreal to Harold Simons and Annie Belle Rice, she pursued a career in dress design and pattern making for manufacturers and a short fling at haute couture in an atelier in Westmount at the age of 20. She met George McKechnie skiing in the Laurentians and, upon marrying, they moved to Ontario, where he worked in advertising and headed Industrial advertising at the time of his early death in 1973. She then began a fulfilling career as a corporate art consultant and was president of Contemporary Fine Art Services. She married George Grant CA in 1984, and they enjoyed 30 years of travel and community service. Some of the most rewarding years were spent in retirement in the village of Warkworth, where the Grants restored a 19th century farmhouse, leading to work with LACAC and receiving the first Ontario Heritage award in 1996. She helped form "Spirit of the Hills" local art association and George founded the Historical Society. Downsizing to the Bay of Quinte in Belleville in 2005, she became active in the community and enjoyed living closer to Amy and Edward and the Merrill Inn, where she helped with the display of local artists' work. In her memory, please convey to your friends and acquaintances their importance to you. Memorial Service to take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home, 150 Church Street, Belleville, ON. Online condolences may be given at www.burkefuneral.ca.