Claire Madeleine (Marleau) Kibsey

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Claire Madeleine (Marleau) Kibsey on April 1, 2025. surrounded by the love and comfort of her family at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, after her courageous battle with cancer. Two days before Claire’s passing, her beloved husband Glenn Kibsey, Passed away on March30, 2025.

Those who knew Glenn and Claire understood the deep and abiding love they shared for one another. Their bond, forged in their high school years, was a testament to their enduring partnership. Married for 49 years, they were dedicated parents and fun-loving grandparents. In life they were inseparable, spending their retired years as snowbirds in Roatan, Honduras and summers at Moonlight Bay Campground in Ontario.

La vie nous a séparés, mais l’amour et les bons souvenirs demeureront. Votre joie de vivre restera à jamais dans nos coeurs. Although they passed only days apart, their love will forever remain intertwined, continuing to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew them.

Claire is survived by her daughter, Melanie Kibsey, her son, Philip Kibsey (Lisa), her brother, Lucien Marleau (Lucette), and her sisters, Aline Larouche (Jean) and Ghislaine Marleau (Late Denis Langlois). Claire was predeceased by her brothers, Paul Marleau and Guy Marleau. She is also survived by her five beloved grandchildren; Daynah Hall, Calum White, Mataya Kibsey, Brynn Kibsey, and Zoe Kibsey all of whom she cherished deeply. Together they shared countless special moments, from cooking in grandma’s kitchen, making art and crafts, watching fireworks at the lake next to a bonfire or simply cuddled up together watching movies.  These moments, filled with love and joy, will forever be held in their hearts.

In addition to their family, Claire will be dearly missed by their many friends, former colleagues, and their loyal dog, Willow Rose.

Claire was born on October 25, 1954, in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, to the late Ludovic and Estelle (Landry) Marleau. A loving and devoted mother, Claire was also a steadfast supporter of her husband’s RCMP career, standing by him through each of his many postings across the country. Throughout her life, Claire worked in various roles, including as a bank teller, realtor, and administrative assistant. She later retired in 2008 after serving as the Assistant to the Commissioner as a civilian member of the RCMP in Ottawa.

Claire had a deep passion for scuba diving, where she found joy and peace in the beauty of the ocean, exploring many dive sites around the world with her husband, and particularly in Roatan, Honduras, also with her close-knit group of girlfriends, "The Diving Divas," among others.

 She had a great love for animals and tenderly cared for many pets throughout her life.

Claire will be remembered for her compassionate and adventurous spirit, her non-judgmental nature, and her comforting presence. She was always there to lend a listening ear or offer a cozy hug. To her children, Claire was a "mama bear"—fiercely protective of her cubs and everyone she held dear. She was kind, gentle, and dedicated to those she loved.

Her devotion to her family, her vibrant personality, and her selfless nature will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Roatan Marine Park in dedication of a dive site named in Glenn and Claire’s honor. This donation will help support marine conservation in the ocean waters they so deeply loved.” Donations can be made by following this link 

https://donorbox.org/honoring-the-memory-of-glenn-and-claire-kibsey

Family and friends are invited to Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Celebration of Claire's life on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in Beechwood's Sacred Space. Interment at Beechwood Cemetery followed by a Reception in the reception suites.