TERNIER, Irene “Clare” Ternier

If ever there was a woman whose warmth, generosity of spirit, and kindness touched everyone she met, it was Irene “Clare” Ternier. Clare passed away peacefully at home in Westsyde, Kamloops, BC, on June 4, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, just two months shy of her 106th birthday.

Clare was born in Calgary, Alberta on August 4, 1920, the second child of five and eldest daughter of Leonard and Ann Neville. While living in Cochin, Saskatchewan, she met and eventually married the handsome Albert Ternier on September 25, 1941, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Along with helping Albert on their farm, Clare devoted herself to raising Arabian horses and caring for their growing family. Their firstborn Joseph Aime Ternier arrived and departed life on June 22, 1943. He was followed by Chris (1945), Terry (1946), Kim (1952), Laurie (1954) and, finally, Michael (1959).

Clare was a devoted and lifelong member of the Catholic Women’s League and the Catholic Church. She was also an exceptional gardener, a guiding light and inspiration to her family, and accepting and welcoming of all who crossed her path. She loved to knit and sew, chat with her grandchildren, entertain the steady stream of visitors who walked through her always open door, and preside over spirited family discussions while trying fruitlessly to restrain Albert, the family agitator. She cherished reading, learning about and visiting Ireland (three times), the home of her Neville great-grandparents, and attending daily Mass.

Clare was predeceased by her beloved husband, Albert, who passed away on December 18, 1998, as well as by her parents, her four siblings, her son Joseph, her daughter Chris Ternier Carney, her son‑in‑law Gordon Tucker, her infant grandson Douglas William Ternier, and her infant great‑grandson Charles Petersen.

She will be deeply missed by her children Terry (Eileen), Kim, Laurie, Michael (Trudi), son-in-law Dick Carney, six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many longtime family friends.

Vigil and prayers will be held at St John Vianney Parish on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be held at the same location on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 am., followed by a luncheon in the church hall.

Services