Obituary of Clarese Irene Pickering

On Monday, September 26, 2022, Clarese Irene Pickering, at 90 years of age, passed away. She bravely fought to stay with family who gathered at her side.

Clarese was predeceased by her husband, Jack Pickering; father Murdo “Scotty” Simpson; mother Caroline (nee Howell); brother Frank Simpson; sister-in-law Joan Simpson; brothers-in-law Stanley Button, Maurice Pickering, and Bob Pickering.  She is survived by her children Howard Pickering (Pam), Connie McKim (Wade), Barb Bryan (Mike), Ian Pickering (Leanna), and Jason Pickering (Callie); grandchildren Cary (Jeannie), Tyler (Katherine), Jesse, Sarah (Nate), Jordan (Kim and Joey and Henry), Lauren (Eric), Carlee (Scotty), Amy (Jevin), Erin (Hailey), Cameron, Aidan, Malcolm, and Ewan; great-grandchildren Hannah, Leah, Connor, Jaxson, Lukus, Sloane, Maisie, Daisy, and Willow; sister Jean Button; brother Ron Simpson; sisters-in-law Gloria Simpson, Dorothy Pickering and Gloria Pickering; special niece, Michele (Lyn) Reynolds; as well as many other cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Clarese was born in Weyburn, SK on March 21, 1932 and she lived her first few years there.  Her family then settled in Milestone, SK where she lived until passing.  After graduating high school, Clarese worked at the then-called Canadian Bank of Commerce in Rouleau, SK.   It was during this time that she met her future husband, Jack Pickering of Wilcox.  They married on October 20, 1951 and were married for 68 years. 

Family was very important to Clarese and her affections extended well beyond her siblings and children. She stayed connected to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews via letters, cards, emails, texts, Zoom calls and Facetime.  

Over the years, Clarese was involved in her community; the Rebekahs, the United Church, the Drop-In, the Milestone Quilters, and her childrens' many school and sports activities. She was a good neighbor and a friend to people of all ages.
Clarese had many hobbies; quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, reading, crossword puzzles, geneology, and the study of all things Scottish (especially The Outer Hebredes, the birthplace of her father).  She loved British TV shows and 'Coronation Street' topped her list.

Clarese showed courage amidst life's challenges and remained independent, capable, and ever connected to family and friends.  She was a wonderful mother and words alone cannot express how much her family will miss her.

A Graveside Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Milestone Cemetary. The family invites the public to join us at 1:30 p.m. for a Celebration of Life at the Masonic Hall in Milestone. 

We extend heartfelt thanks to Mike and Leanne Sjodin, Kim Arneson, Shirley Treleaven, Becky Pedersen and Carrie Wourms who supported mom's desire to remain in her own home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:    The Royal Canadian Legion Branch Poppy Fund, 001, Regina, SK at CanadaHelps.org.