Edith Clarke

In Memory of Edith Barbara (Orme) Clarke
December 14, 1919 – December 23, 2025

With heavy hearts, the family announces the unexpected passing of Edith Clarke, in her 107th year.

Edith was the daughter of Frank and Mildred (Kerr) Orme, well-known furniture and piano merchants in Ottawa. She came from a family with deep roots in the community. Her grandfather, Jack Kerr, was one of the founders of Ottawa’s first hockey club in 1883, and her great-uncle Nelson Porter later became Mayor of Ottawa during the First World War.

Edith was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, John D.W. Clarke.   She was also predeceased by her eldest brother, Frank Orme (RCAF), and her brother-in-law, Stanley Gunnis (RAF), both tragically killed in August 1941 when their aircraft was shot down over Holland. She was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth (Orme) Gunnis, her brother James Orme, and her younger sister, Dulcie (Orme) Ommanney.

She will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, including Elizabeth “Lee” (Gunnis) LeLiever, Susan (Gunnis) Coulson, Thomas and Frank Orme, Lucinda Ash, Frances (Ash) Jacob, Edward Ash, John Ritchie, and Jane (Ritchie) Schikerowsky.

Edith was the beloved wife of WWII veteran John D. W. Clarke. They were married in 1946, one of the first weddings after the war. She often recalled the joy of wearing a white wedding dress — something that had been unavailable during wartime.  John predeceased her in 1977.

The couple first lived in the Kilmorie heritage home in the City View district of Nepean, where they operated a chinchilla farm. In the 1950s, they moved to a farm on the Mississippi River near Appleton, which they also named Kilmorie, continuing their chinchilla operation. John was the secretary of the Eastern Ontario branch of the National Chinchilla Breeders of Canada. The Kilmorie farm became a family hub, where friends and relatives were always welcome.

Edith will be well remembered in Appleton for her hospitality, her tea parties, and her many long-standing friendships. She was an active bridge player and a supporter of St. James Anglican Church.

Later in life, Edith moved to the Carleton Place Terrace as her health declined. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Terrace for their exceptional care. Lee, Frank, and Molly Ann Ellard visited frequently, along with several friends from Appleton, to support her and keep her company.

Edith will be remembered as a wonderful person, as described by a niece:

“Aunt Edith was truly an amazing person who made everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. If there is one thing she lived for, it was a good time surrounded by family and friends! She touched many lives that are forever changed. There will forever be days and events that are hard to do without her, but we will remember her in all that we do and continue making her proud. We know she is up there dancing in the sky!  We love you, Aunt Edith!”

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honour at a future date.    In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital or St. James Anglican Church

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