Bertha I. (Clancy) Killin
1929-1979
BERTHA ISOBEL KILLIN (nee Clancy)
November 18, 928 - October 27, 1979
Bertha Isobel Clancy was born in Timmins, Ontario, the 4th child out of 6 (5 girls, and 1 boy) to Martha Ellen Clancy (Mills) and Gordon Norman Clancy, (both from Nova Scotia), November 18, 1928. The Clancy’s moved to 27 Rusholme Rd., Toronto in 1929, where the family resided for years to come. Family life was challenging, as Martha was widowed in 1935, and later diagnosed with TB. Because of the strength and sacrifices of older siblings, Dorothy, Ruth and Gordie who had to leave school to support the family, the Clancy’s survived many hardships. The family received support from the Salvation Army, and other charitable groups to support them through tough times. It’s no wonder, the Clancy’s grew up with such a strong charitable nature. They depended on one another, creating a bond that would last forever. (I remember Mom telling us that the sisters used to paint black lines down the back of their legs to make it look as though they were wearing expensive nylon stockings, and that they made some of their undergarments from parachute material).
In 1946, Bertha received her Grade 12 from Central High School of Commerce in Toronto, in the Commercial - Secretarial Program. She loved school. Her education prepared her for years of success as an office worker, book keeper and eventually office manager. No doubt, if circumstances and opportunities had been different, she would have pursued a university degree. Mom valued the power of an education. She not only encouraged Dad to complete his grade 12, which had been interrupted by the war, but encouraged and supported all her children to seek some type of post-secondary education.
Mom married Archibald Killin, of 171 St. John’s Rd., Toronto on July 31, 1948. Mom’s long time high school friend, Mary Barrese was her Maid of Homour, and Uncle Don Killin was Dad’s Best Man. This Clancy/Killin connection (the marriage of two Clancy sisters to two Killin brothers) created an interesting genetic pool of cousins who, in so many ways, are more like brothers and sisters. Our families continue to share so many memorable events: weddings, births, funerals, holidays, and the Annual Killin picnic.
As with most families, life in the A.Killin Household had its ups and downs. Mom & Dad always welcomed family to stay over. Aunt Mary (Mills) came for every Christmas, as long I can remember. Gradma Clancy came to live with us for many years. Cousins exchanged visits during the summer months. There was always room for one more. Larry’s diagnosis of being “mentally retarded”, (not politically correct these days), was devastating for all of us, but especially for Mom. She fought against sending Larry away to Orillia. However, she and Dad eventually gave in to pressure from “the medical experts” at Sick Children’s Hospital, and Larry was moved to an institutional setting. This presented constant uncertainties and anguish for Mom & Dad, as they felt powerless to keep him safe. I wish Mom had been able to see the transformation in Larry as he was one of the first candidates to be selected into the Toronto Community Living Program. I wish she could know how much he has benefited from this change. Mom’s sudden and devastating death at the young age of 50, would leave a void in our lives that nothing or no one could ever fill. She had been our guide, disciplinarian (remember the belt on the back of the kitchen door? I don’t remember her every using it). She was our counsellor, our friend, our inspiration, always putting Life in perspective. She showed us how to love another person, unconditionally, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.
To this day, through stories and photographs, her memory continues to be celebrated with love by her children, her grandchildren, sisters, cousins and friends.
November 18, 928 - October 27, 1979
Bertha Isobel Clancy was born in Timmins, Ontario, the 4th child out of 6 (5 girls, and 1 boy) to Martha Ellen Clancy (Mills) and Gordon Norman Clancy, (both from Nova Scotia), November 18, 1928. The Clancy’s moved to 27 Rusholme Rd., Toronto in 1929, where the family resided for years to come. Family life was challenging, as Martha was widowed in 1935, and later diagnosed with TB. Because of the strength and sacrifices of older siblings, Dorothy, Ruth and Gordie who had to leave school to support the family, the Clancy’s survived many hardships. The family received support from the Salvation Army, and other charitable groups to support them through tough times. It’s no wonder, the Clancy’s grew up with such a strong charitable nature. They depended on one another, creating a bond that would last forever. (I remember Mom telling us that the sisters used to paint black lines down the back of their legs to make it look as though they were wearing expensive nylon stockings, and that they made some of their undergarments from parachute material).
In 1946, Bertha received her Grade 12 from Central High School of Commerce in Toronto, in the Commercial - Secretarial Program. She loved school. Her education prepared her for years of success as an office worker, book keeper and eventually office manager. No doubt, if circumstances and opportunities had been different, she would have pursued a university degree. Mom valued the power of an education. She not only encouraged Dad to complete his grade 12, which had been interrupted by the war, but encouraged and supported all her children to seek some type of post-secondary education.
Mom married Archibald Killin, of 171 St. John’s Rd., Toronto on July 31, 1948. Mom’s long time high school friend, Mary Barrese was her Maid of Homour, and Uncle Don Killin was Dad’s Best Man. This Clancy/Killin connection (the marriage of two Clancy sisters to two Killin brothers) created an interesting genetic pool of cousins who, in so many ways, are more like brothers and sisters. Our families continue to share so many memorable events: weddings, births, funerals, holidays, and the Annual Killin picnic.
As with most families, life in the A.Killin Household had its ups and downs. Mom & Dad always welcomed family to stay over. Aunt Mary (Mills) came for every Christmas, as long I can remember. Gradma Clancy came to live with us for many years. Cousins exchanged visits during the summer months. There was always room for one more. Larry’s diagnosis of being “mentally retarded”, (not politically correct these days), was devastating for all of us, but especially for Mom. She fought against sending Larry away to Orillia. However, she and Dad eventually gave in to pressure from “the medical experts” at Sick Children’s Hospital, and Larry was moved to an institutional setting. This presented constant uncertainties and anguish for Mom & Dad, as they felt powerless to keep him safe. I wish Mom had been able to see the transformation in Larry as he was one of the first candidates to be selected into the Toronto Community Living Program. I wish she could know how much he has benefited from this change. Mom’s sudden and devastating death at the young age of 50, would leave a void in our lives that nothing or no one could ever fill. She had been our guide, disciplinarian (remember the belt on the back of the kitchen door? I don’t remember her every using it). She was our counsellor, our friend, our inspiration, always putting Life in perspective. She showed us how to love another person, unconditionally, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.
To this day, through stories and photographs, her memory continues to be celebrated with love by her children, her grandchildren, sisters, cousins and friends.
~ Linda Braithwaite (Killin)
Photographs
