CLARA- Raena (Longden) Clara was born February 18, 1942 to Rose Edna Simpson and James Longden and passed away Monday March 2, 2026. She is predeceased by her husband Romeo and is survived by her four children Laureen, Jeff, Eric, and Ian and two grandchildren Christopher and Madeline. Our mom was a lady of kindness and love, a proper lady right up until the very end, and our dad called her “the oil” that made everything go smoothly and nicely. All her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart, as did her dog Lucy and her cat Maisie.
She loved growing up in Vickers Heights, and then all the crazy Clara family fun in the Westfort years. Raena was blessed to have many lifelong friends such as her Card Club and the people she worked with and met through being a teacher and a real estate agent, and even after 60 years there were always hugs when meeting up with former grade school students and clients. Together with Romeo, Raena started Clara Real Estate and helped run a successful company for 20 years. She was very proud to have graduated with an English degree from Lakehead University later in life. Raena had many passions and hobbies, and she enjoyed helping in the community and writing a few magazine articles. Later on she enjoyed travelling and re-connecting with cousins in England and her neighbours in Arizona.
Great fun was had by family and friends at many gatherings at the Clara household and the camp at Hick’s Lake, always accompanied by Romeo on the accordion and sometimes with mom on her guitar. Raena always enjoyed having company around and creating wonderful memories and laughter for everyone.
Raena was the most easy-going, fun-loving co-pilot anyone could have; for a day trip to Duluth, an afternoon drive, hosting a dinner party, or going for a walk. If you got to spend time with her you loved her. If not, she would tell you “Life is shorter than you think, don’t worry, go have fun.”
Thank-you to all the hospital staff at the Regional Hospital and St. Joe’s who were exceptional in their care for our mom, and always made sure she was comfortable.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Church (664 Red River Road) on Friday, March 6th, at 10:30 am with a reception to follow. Those unable to attend in person may due so via livestream which can be found on the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens after the reception. As expressions of sympathy, memorials to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
