Clarene Ethel (Smith) Thurston

Peacefully, on January 16th, 2024, Clarene Ethel Thurston passed away at the age of 83, at the Portage District General Hospital with family by her side.

Clarene was born in MacGregor, MB on May 22nd, 1940. She grew up and went to school in Beaver, MB and high school in MacGregor, MB. Clarene went on to take a stenography course at the Manitoba Technical Institute in Winnipeg, MB and graduated in 1958. After graduation she went to work for STELCO, the “Steel Company of Canada” in Winnipeg.

In 1962, she married Garry Thurston and began working in Portage La Prairie at Campbell Soup as a secretary in the purchasing department and the plant manager for many years. She served many years as a secretary on the MacDonald Community Club. Clarene adored her grandchildren and had many fun times with them, camping, exploring, and doing crafts. She enjoyed curling, knitting, camping, jigsaw puzzles, reading and going south to Arizona for the winter with Garry.

Clarene was predeceased by her mother Edna Smith (nee Cook), father Clarence Smith and daughter-in-law, Kathee Thurston. Left to mourn her passing is her husband Garry, son Darryl Thurston and his children Samantha Thurston and Nicholas Thurston, son Cory (Sheri) Thurston and their children Rebecca (Dean) Shirtliff, Garrett Thurston and Hunter Burston along with one brother Larry (Hazel) Howland of Comox, B.C.

As per Clarene’s wish, a private family burial will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made in Clarene’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association P.O. Box 2040 Station Main Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3R3 or visit mb.lung.ca

To share memories and leave condolences, please visit www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com

Ronald Moffit Memorial Services in care of arrangements.

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