In 1952, Clifford and Phyllis Elliott welcomed the bright light of Claudia Claire into this world. Eldest sister to Cheryl and Carla; growing up in Ontario’s South West, Claudia’s childhood was filled with adventure. Foraging the forest, cresting the swells of Lake Huron, or manifesting her imagination through numerous illustrations, her creativity had no boundaries. Claudia’s love of art carried on throughout her life. An accomplished artist of many talents, she soon amassed a collection of paintings, sculptures, and fabric mosaic; later having shows in Parry Sound and Toronto.

At Guelph University, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and there during a serendipitous swim encounter met her life long partner, best friend and husband of over 50 years, Wesley Morris.

Together they were inspired to make a difference in the world. In 1980 they set off for Africa, sponsored by CIDA, they were teachers at the Laoaleng Trade School in Quthing, Lesotho; Claudia teaching domestic science and Wes subsistence agriculture. It was also there that Claudia and Wes started a family of their own; with two daughters, Ausi Rosisa and Marjorie Skei.
Returning to Canada in 1984, Claudia and her family embarked on a new adventure in the near north of Ontario. At their family property, on LaBrash Lake, Claudia spent hours upon hours splashing with her daughters and reading everything under the sun.

For 35 years Claudia worked with Community Living in Parry Sound, bringing love, meaning and purpose to her clients. Claudia literally cooked thousands of meals for the residents, always bringing wholesome and tasty dinners to their table.

She and Wesley continued to travel, in 1992, home schooling their daughters ona year long “Big Circle” exploring all corners of North America. Numerous road trips continued and her love of camping never waned, even after 20 years of Franklin Island escapades.Artist, foodie, philosopher, political junkie, staunch feminist and social activist; gardener, inventor and avid reader, Claudia flavoured her passions with zany wit and humour. Later in life, inspired by her grandchildren Cedar and Rowan, Claudia wrote and illustrated multiple Children’s Books.

She was always looking forward to what comes next. Tragically, her time in this realm was cut short when she was struck down by an aggressive brain tumour. During her valiant and courageous battle she was supported by family, friends and superlative care from her “Fan Club” of nurses at the West Parry Sound Health Centre Palliative Care unit.

On June 27th, She was set free ..…free to swim in the lake of light… in the Universe of Mysteries.

Her friends and Family are honoured to have shared this life with her.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations to McMaster University for Brain Cancer Research, or the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation (Palliative Care Unit) would be appreciated.

It’s time to go swimming Claud
The lake is Bermuda blue
The flat rocks are warm,..they smell hot
You’ve got your tube and the waves are just right
They are cresting white
Push off from the shore
And You are FREE.
We Love You.