It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fiona Marguerite Clark, 81, of Westmount, Quebec on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Fiona passed peacefully with her eldest daughter, Karen, by her side at the retirement home of Westmount One.

Loving wife to the late Allan Sherwin, devoted mother to daughters Karen Gurr (Michael Studd) and Rachel Gurr, caring step-mother to Cindy Sherwin (Jon Gould) Pamela Sherwin (David Leitner). Doting grandmother to Emma and Devin Studd, Griffin Ployart, Cameron and Erin Gould and Nathan Leitner. Dear sister to Elizabeth Graham (Ken Graham). Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Fiona was born to the late Frank Noel Clark and Maisie Clark (née Marguerite Maie Jamieson) on April 6, 1940 in Cardiff, Wales. She graduated from the Cardiff High School for Girls where she developed a keen interest in physics. Encouraged by her favourite high school teacher, Fiona continued her education at Bristol University where she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Physics.

At the age of 22, Fiona married her first husband, Roger Gurr and in 1965, they immigrated to Canada. Montreal became Fiona’s permanent home where she lovingly raised her two daughters and had a successful, lifelong career at McGill University.

As Fiona’s first passions were teaching and science, she enjoyed many years as a Physics Professor, passing along her passion to many aspiring scientists. She eventually left teaching and continued her success at McGill in the role of Assistant Director of Continuing Education. Fiona was a strong advocate for continuous learning and in 1989 she founded the McGill Centre for Learning in Retirement (MCLR) now entitled the McGill Community for Lifelong Learning (MCLL). In 1990, Fiona completed her Masters Degree in Education and in 1995, at the age of 55, Fiona retired from McGill University. MCLL celebrated it’s 30th anniversary in 2019 and honoured Fiona’s legacy with a gala and a bursary in her name that provides financial support for mature students.

Fiona met her second husband, the late Dr. Allan Sherwin, in Montreal at the Monkland Tennis Club, of which they were both long-time members. Fiona and Allan shared many common interests including music, travel and family. In 1986, they were married and two beautiful families were united. Fiona and Allan lovingly embraced each other’s daughters and adopted new traditions into their lives. They enjoyed 29 years of marriage before Allan’s passing in 2016.

Fiona was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her greatest love and priority was looking after others, especially her daughters, Karen and Rachel. Her six grandchildren were of the utmost importance and spending special time with each of them brought her great joy.

Fiona had many interests and hobbies and formed many close friendships. Most notably were singing, piano, and serving her community. Fiona’s many travels throughout the years took her all over the world. She most enjoyed returning home to the UK to connect with family and friends, especially her dear sister Elizabeth.

Fiona will forever be remembered for her positive smile, her warm and caring nature, and for her enthusiasm and appreciation of life.

A commemoration for Fiona will be held virtually from the Unitarian Church of Montreal on May 22, 2021, at 2:00 PM EST. Those wishing to attend the service should notify Karen and Rachel at FionaClarkService@gmail.com. Please include your name, email address and your relationship to Fiona. A Zoom link will be provided to attendees prior to the service.

In remembrance of Fiona, please consider making a donation to pediatric brain cancer research through the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at https://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/