With heavy hearts, but also with relief that her suffering has ended, we announce the passing of Claudia Paish on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 89. Over the past few years, Claudia faced serious illnesses with courage, calmness, a shrug, and an ‘I’ll do whatever I have to’ attitude. She never complained.

Claudia Olga was born on July 24, 1936, in Rycroft, AB, the youngest child of John and Helena Rawlek. Her first job was at the pool hall and gift shop in Spirit River, AB, where she met Jim Paish, who was homesteading north of town. They were married on June 17, 1956, and lived on the homestead from spring to fall and in town for the winter. Later, they moved into a bigger one-room all-season house on the farm.

In 1959, Cindy was born, followed by Donna in 1961. Shortly after that, they bought the land where the old Devale store had burned down. They literally built a new store up from the ashes and went into business. The strain of running a 24/7 country general store while still farming became too much. In 1970, the store was sold and the family moved into town. Along with helping on the farm, Claudia worked at the old drug store and then at the Macleods store for a number of years.

After retiring, Claudia and Jim enjoyed camping at their Cozy Cove lot on Sturgeon Lake. They also did some travelling, visiting Arizona, Alaska, and Nova Scotia, as well as making several trips to BC to visit her sister, Vicki.

Claudia was a member of the Spirit River Hospital Auxiliary, the Museum Society, and the Seniors Happy Hour Club. She enjoyed her garden and flowers. She also greatly treasured time with family, especially her four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In 2018, Claudia made the decision to sell her big house and yard, relocating to Pleasant View Lodge. She never regretted her decision and was very content living there. She enjoyed going to bingo, as well as to crafting and painting classes. Her paintings are her family’s most treasured mementos. The residents of the lodge became more than acquaintances and friends; they were like a second family. Whether sharing a joke with Olive, a gift of a tin of sardines with Norm, coffee with Barb, or having Pam check in daily to say hi, all the kindness of everyone was so special.

Claudia was one of the first people to move into the new PVL facility, which the town is so lucky to have. When her health got worse, it was an easy transition from the Lodge floor to Assisted Living. This allowed her to receive the care she needed without having to move to the hospital or hospice. She passed away peacefully in the familiar surroundings of her home. Claudia’s family can never fully express their thanks for the kindness and care of everyone from the day she moved in until the end. To the doctors and nurses, everyone who cared for her on her many trips to the hospital, the PVL staff and volunteers, along with the AHS staff. They all loved and cared for Claudia like she was their own, and the family will be forever grateful.

Claudia deeply missed her immediate family who had predeceased her, but she has now joined them: her father and mother, John and Helena Rawlek; her husband, Jim Paish; her brothers, Peter and Albert Rawlek; and her sister, Vicki Pelling.

She is survived by her sister, Ann Sandul; her daughter, Cindy (Jack) Mihailoff; grandson Jaymes (Kelsey) Mihailoff; daughter Donna (Gary) Ewing; granddaughter Brittney (Bill) Jackson; grandsons Carson (Randi) Ewing and Zach (Laura) Ewing; and her nine beautiful great-grandchildren.

A private burial will take place later, when the snow melts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Peace Health Complex Auxiliary Club (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-peace-health-complex-auxiliary-club/).