Obituary of Alice "Irene" Clingersmith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Alice Irene Clingersmith (nee Sample) at University Hospital in London, on June 27, 2024 of London and formerly of Mersea Township, Essex County in her 83^rd year. 

She has gone to be reunited with her loving husband, William Clingersmith (2019), her parents Grant and Clara Sample and her brother Alan Sample. Irene is survived by her children Brenda (Terry) Hull, Roger (Brenda) Bourdeau, Deborah (Gray) Greenway, Karen (David) Dennis, Kelly (Gavin) Taylor; grandchildren:  Peggy (Shawn), Lauren, Christopher (Shelby), Paige (Mattin), Jeremy, Samantha (Ednes), Kelsey (Hunter) and Ryan.  Also survived by several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Mom was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother to us.  Mom always put our needs first and was always there for us if we needed to talk or wanted to play a round of cards.  Mom loved a good game of cards or a board game and beat us most times.  Mom and Dad loved to camp and spent many years at Wildwood Conservation Area near St. Marys.  Camping from even our earliest memories is where we all learned to love the outdoors and respect nature.  Whether it be camping, boating/waterskiing, or fishing we spent our childhood outside.  Mom loved day trips in and around the area and enjoyed spending time with her daughters and family after Dad’s passing.  Mom got the travel bug late in life and enjoyed travelling to the East Coast where she experienced many firsts including flying, eating lobster, putting her feet in the ocean and seeing Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton Island. 

Mom was so touched and appreciated all the love and support, visits and messages from family and friends over her last days that made her feel very special and cared about. Mom demonstrated strength, courage, hope and amazing grace throughout her medical journey.

The family would like to send an enormous thank you to all the staff and physicians at University Hospital Subacute Medicine/Palliative Care Unit, London.  They helped us navigate this difficult journey with such compassion and care.

As many of you know, Mom and Dad were frequent visitors at the dances and functions at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #317 of London.  In remembrance of their fondness for this legion, family, friends and loved ones are invited to consider a donation to Victory Legion Branch #317.  Please make your cheque payable to: “Victory Legion 317 Ontario General Fund” at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 317, 311 Oakland Ave, London, ON, N5W 4J5 with a note indicating what the donation should be earmarked for, i.e. general operating funds.  

Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held for William and Irene Clingersmith on September 14th, 2024 at McLean Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life for Irene will take place on September 14th from 2-4 pm at Chalmers Presbyterian Church (back hall) in London, to share memories and time together .

Online condolences may be left for the family at https://woodlandcemetery.ca/