Obituary of Madeleine Clarkson

CLARKSON, Madeleine (nee Earls) Peacefully, at home, and surrounded by family August 13, 2007. Born in Swansea South Wales November 13, 1923. During World War II, Madeleine served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) and was stationed in Ceylon. During the conflict, she met Canadian naval officer Max B.E. Clarkson and after a wartime romance, settled in Buffalo, New York. In 1975, her husband took an appointment at the University of Toronto Business School, and the family moved to Toronto. Madeleine was a woman of great beauty, dignity, kindness and was blessed with a terrific sense of humour. She and her husband loved to entertain and passionately supported the arts communities wherever they lived. While in Buffalo, she served on the acquisitions committee of the Albright Knox Art Gallery. While in Toronto, she took up sculpting and produced some wonderful pieces. A family favourite is "The Phoenix" which, for a time, was presented annually to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's Courage to Come Back recipients. She will be truly missed by many but especially by her loving son Max Clarkson, daughter Helene Clarkson, and son-in-law, Andrew Livingston of Toronto. She was a wonderful "Nain" to her grandchildren Eliza, Max, and Lucas Livingston. She was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. The family would like to thank Bruce Mahoney and the staff of Home Instead Senior Care and especially to Mercy, Edith, and Sofia for all their care and kindness. A service will be held in TRINITY COLLEGE CHAPEL, 6 Hoskin Ave, Toronto on Friday, August 17th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Opera Company, 227 Front St. E., Toronto, M5A 1E8.