Claire Alice Chalifour August 17, 1937 – June 17, 2025

With deep love and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Claire Alice Chalifour announces her peaceful passing on June 17, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on August 17, 1937, in Edam, Saskatchewan, Claire was the beloved daughter of Gertrude and Ernie Thibault. She was raised in Fairholme, where her early years laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for learning. A bright student and always at the top of her class, Claire attended elementary school in Fairholme before continuing her education in North Battleford. She later completed Teachers College, embarking on a career that reflected her passion for education.
In 1959, Claire married Robert (Bob) Chalifour and together, they built a rich and fulfilling life, raising five children. During her married life, Claire worked on the farm in the Leoville area, operated a hotel in Biggar and taught in both Leoville and Saskatoon.
Claire loved traveling and she and Bob took their family on countless road trips across North America, creating cherished memories along the way. Later in life, they spent their winters in sunny Arizona and their summers at their cabin at Chitek Lake. During the 27 years spent in Arizona, Claire took part in pattern dancing, walking, playing cards and spending time with friends. At Chitek Lake, she enjoyed reading, gardening, walking and entertaining.
Devoted to her community, Claire volunteered with Read Saskatoon and helped newcomers to Canada learn English, reflecting her enduring passion for education and helping others. She devoted countless hours to the swimming program and playground at Chitek Lake. Her generosity of spirit touched many lives.
Their 62-year marriage was filled with love, laughter and teamwork as they built a beautiful life together, raising their five children. Claire was the proud grandmother of fourteen grandchildren and the delighted great-grandmother of six.
Family was Claire’s greatest joy. Her wit, warmth, and infectious laughter created a welcoming home where everyone felt loved. She treasured the visits of her grandchildren, and her deep love and devotion for her family remained steadfast until her final days.
Claire is lovingly remembered by her children Paul (Jim Scavone), Denis (Pat Shier), Colette (Michael Hall), Adèle (John Scott), and Gisèle (Adrian Poirier); grandchildren Eric, Evan, Alex, Danièle, Nicole, Fred, Éric, Véronique, Jocelyne, Mikaël, Danika, Christian, Lévi, and Amélie; and great-grandchildren Jade, Briauna, Liam, Lincoln, Valkyrie and Evelyn; her brother Harvey Thibault, her in-laws Carol Thibault, Rita Hudon, and Aline and Phil Marion; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Chalifour; her parents Ernest Thibault, Gertrude and Phil Lafrance; her sisters Yvette Schmaltz and Adrienne Johnson; her nephew Larry Schmaltz; her great-niece Nicole Rempel; her great-nephew Zachary Johnson; her parents-in-law Gédéon and Eva Chalifour; and her in-laws: Simone Chalifour, Léa Trépanier, Roy Johnson, Roger Hudon, and Alphonse Trépanier, and numerous extended family and friends.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Claire’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus Catholic Church in Leoville, Saskatchewan with Fr. Ramel Macapala officiating. Interment will take place following mass.
Claire’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the incredibly caring staff and residents at Debden Heritage Manor, where Claire resided for the past two and a half years, and to the Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook for their compassionate palliative care. Special appreciation is also extended to Beau “Lac” Funeral Home for their thoughtful and supportive
service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Claire’s memory may be made to Debden Heritage Manor.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK — (306) 883-3500.

• Date : 2025-06-17
• Location : Leoville, SK