KELLY (née Hudson), Claire Barbara

Our world lost an extraordinary woman with the passing of Claire Barbara Kelly at the age of 93. Caring, independent, vibrant, and deeply loved, Claire leaves behind a family shaped by her strength, her kindness and her generous heart.

Claire was born in Chicoutimi, Quebec, and grew up in Arvida in a loving family with 12 brothers and sisters. Her strong values of hard work, perseverance, and doing what was right were learned from Mama and Papa. Her father, Thomas (Noble) Hudson, an engineer, built power plants for the Price Company starting in the 1940s and her mother Mary Catherine (née McAllister) were pioneers of their day.

Claire was predeceased by her beloved husband, of 55 years, Brian Kelly.  She is survived by her siblings, Desmond Hudson (Shirley), Ann Butler (Wilf, deceased), and Theresa Meeks (Larry), and Brother-in-law Peter Marshall (Helen-deceased).  She is predeceased by her siblings, Donald Hudson, Pelo Hudson (Fleurette), Duthie Hudgin (Lance), Mary Hudson, Alec Hudson (Dell), O’Rissia Worden (Steve), Charlotte Hudson, Helen Marshall, Thomas (Toofie) Hudson (Thérèse) and Kathleen Gravel (Robert).

Claire moved to Montreal in 1950 to attend Marianopolis College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in 1954. She spoke fondly of those years, remembering the friendships she formed, the social life of the city, and the many antics with (or in spite of) the nuns. It was during this time that she met Brian Kelly. They married in 1956, on a blustery February day, at Église Sacre Coeur du Bassin in Chicoutimi.

Claire was immensely proud of her seven children: Cassie (Patrick), Brian (Fa), Tommy, Barbara, Betsy (David), Mary (Daniel), and Jenny (Dan). But more than being a “mom” just to her kids, she was a “mom” to everyone who needed it. The door was always open for friends, for a meal, advice or a hug.

Claire was a beloved grandmother to Mark (deceased), Sandra (Eric), David, Vivar (Nick), Phoy (Luigi), Alex (Janelle), Carolyn (Victor), Claire (Alex), Charlotte (Jake), Danny (Courtney), and Molly (Laith), and a cherished great-grandmother to Leif and Louie.

In the 1970s, Claire returned to school, graduating with a Diploma in Library Sciences from Concordia University in 1976. This opened the door to Claire’s passion in the pharmaceutical industry, where she became a respected leader and trusted mentor, managing the Research Library at Merck Frosst until 2000.  Claire thrived in providing leading-edge references and knowledge that helped advance scientific discovery.

Claire and Brian were avid and expert bridge players, enjoying decades of social activities and friendships through the game. In retirement, they travelled the world, including two visits to the Falkland Islands in search of her grandmother’s ancestry.

Claire was a keen supporter of the arts.  She continually sought out local artwork for vernissages at Merck Frosst.  Claire was a founding member of John Fisher Players, leading in several productions. She enjoyed her monthly outings at the Centaur Theatre and the OSM with Brian, the Lakeshore Players with Vivian Hudson, and never missed a production of her favourite musical Evita.  She was game for any show! In recent years she saw Elton John, Chris de Burgh, the Ukraine National Ballet, Alicia Keyes, a Pink Floyd cover band at Place des Arts.

Books were her fuel. She read at least two or three books a week. Her children were convinced she knew everything, and they were probably right. She kept up with technology and was never afraid to try something new. She taught us to seek knowledge, to explore, and to have courage. Most of all, she taught us to do the right thing, no matter how difficult that might be.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Lakeshore General Hospital ICU for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to remember Claire, donations may be made to a charity or scientific foundation that advances treatment or patient care.

Please join us to celebrate and remember Claire at Voluntas, 4695 Boulevard Saint-Jean, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC, H9H 2A7, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 6:30 – 9:00 pm for prayers and visitation.

Funeral service will take place at St. John Fisher Parish, 120 Summerhill Avenue, Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 2G8, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 11:00 am.  A livestream of the service will be available for those unable to travel.   St. John Fisher Mass Online

Claire will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the many lives she touched, the family she built, and the love she leaves behind.