ForeverMissed
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Her Life
April 8, 2016

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Ivy Clair, 74, born on January 24, 1942 and passed away on April 2, 2016. We will remember her forever.

Loved dearly by her very extended family in England, Jamaica, USA and across the world. 

EULOGY FOR THE LIFE OF MRS. IVY CLAIR,
(Nee PATTERSON)

It is said that time is the greatest equalizer of mankind. It has taken away the best and worst of us without any regard for either of us. Time offers opportunity but it demands a sense of urgency.
Ivy Clair was no exception as she too had to respond to the demand of time.

Mrs. Ivy Clair was born to William Patterson and Elsaida Thomas in Darlow a small
district in the Parish of Clarendon, Jamaica. She had her early education at the
Rock Elementary school.
After completing this stage of her schooling she migrated to England in 1963. Here she
reunited with her first love Jim whom she married the same year. This was meant
to be a long and lasting love affair. Together they produced five children Errol, Elaine, Mark, Paul, and Wendy. (Elaine and Wendy pre deceased her.)

Mrs. Clair, though dedicated to her family found the time to further her education. She had the opportunity of working in the Health Service for a number of years then she branched off to the field of Youth and Community Service, an area she enjoyed
with a passion.

She spent most of her working life positioned in roles where she could help others;
she worked as a carer in an elderly care home, a children’s hospital nurse, a primary school play supervisor
and a youth and community worker in Brent. She was said to be a youth and community pioneer for her work in this district.
Her efforts were noted by many council members and politicians who were interested in her views as a community leader and as a result she became more active within the council. She worked with many organizations around london set up to give minority children in the UK a sense of identity through education. Her community work extended beyond the youth when she and her husband set up “The Over 25’s Cultural Club” in Alperton that brought many older Caribbean members of the community together.

After she retired she and her husband Jim returned to Jamaica to
enjoy their retirement years.
Mrs. Clair was a very strong person in character. She stood firmly for what she believed in. She could be described as a "giant of a woman. On the other hand she was a gentle soul, one who was compassionate and kind. She had an infectious smile and her sense of humor was unmatchable.
Mrs. Clair exhibited a very strong faith in God. During the time she resided
in Jamaica she became a member of the Pentecostal faith and was strongly committed to her Church work. Her total involvement and her true dedication earned her the title of "Missionary Clair". Her church has lost a stalwart.

Despite her active lifestyle she was not spared her share of illness. She had several bouts of serious illness, but during those challenging period she held firmly to her God. Psalm 119 v9 reminds us of the brevity of life and so Mrs. Clair ended her journey on April 2, 2016 in the May Pen Hospital, Clarendon Jamaica.

We thank God for lending her to us. It is said that memories are priceless
possession that time cannot destroy. As close family members we will always
remember her unconditional and never ending love, the security we feel when
she was around us, the comfort and reassurance she gave when we faced serious
challenges and the strong shoulders she afforded us when there was need to cry.
As friends and associates we remember her charming personality, her
impeccable character and her pleasant demeanor. They will always be etched in
our hearts.
Mrs. Clair leaves to mourn husband James, sons Errol, Paul, and Mark - 5 brothers, 3 Sisters, grand-children, great grand-children, nephews, nieces and host of other relatives.
May God grant her His Perpetual Peace