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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Burton McKim (nee Withrow) on September 13, 2026 at East Cumberland Lodge in Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
Claire was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia on April 30, 1930, the younger of two daughters of Dr. Ralph R. Withrow and Ethel S. (Burton) Withrow. She spent many happy years growing up in Springhill with her beloved sister, Marion. In her younger years, Claire enjoyed CGIT, bowling and tennis and was a junior member of the Springhill Tennis Club. She also sang with her high school glee club. A graduate of Springhill High School, Oxford High School and the Saint John General Hospital School of Nursing, Claire devoted much of her life to the nursing profession and the care of others. Claire was employed part time at All Saints Hospital in Springhill before accepting a permanent position at the North Cumberland Memorial (Outpost) Hospital in Pugwash. Over the course of an extraordinary 42-year career, she served as Matron, Superintendent and, ultimately, Administrator, retiring in 1994. Her long association with the hospital and the community it served was an important and deeply meaningful part of her life. It was also in Pugwash that Claire built the life she treasured with her husband, Raymond Docherty (Doc) McKim. They shared many happy years together until his death in 2000. Claire’s commitment to her community extended well beyond her professional life. She was a life and charter member of the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.60 Ladies Auxiliary. She served on the boards of the North Cumberland Community Health Foundation, the Pugwash Village Commission, the Pugwash Capsite, the Gathering of the Clans and the Fisherman‘s Regatta, while also participating in many other community activities. She was a member of the Wesley St. Matthews United Church in Pugwash. As well, Claire was an unassuming philanthropist, quietly and generously donating to many local, provincial and national charitable organizations and causes. Throughout her life, Claire enjoyed knitting, crafts, gardening, travelling, playing bridge and cribbage, ‘collecting’, and keeping up with the world on her computer. A certified Duncan Ceramics teacher, Claire spent many joyful hours working with greenware and firing her creations in her home kiln. Some of her happiest times were spent at the family cottage at Heather Beach, Nova Scotia, where she loved welcoming friends and the many members of her extended family. Above all else, family and friendship were at the heart of Claire‘s life. Her niece and nephews, together with their spouses and, in time, their children and families, were very much her own family. She delighted in being surrounded by them, sharing in their lives and welcoming each generation into hers. Besides her parents, Claire was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond D. McKim; her sister, Marion M. (Withrow) Macdonald and brother-in-law, David C. Macdonald of Riverview, NB; her nephew, D. Stuart Macdonald (Opal) of Vancouver, BC; and her niece, Susan C. Botten (Don) of Riverview, NB. Claire is lovingly remembered by her nephews, Ralph W. Macdonald (Jean Anne) of Moncton, NB, Colin L. Macdonald (Glenys) of Cole Harbour, NS and Ian A. Macdonald (Wendy) of Riverview, NB; cousins Janice Hodges of Springhill, NS and Jim Orlik (Anne) of Big Lake, NS; as well as her many great-nieces and nephews and their families. Sincere gratitude is expressed by the family to Dr. Peter Blaikie and the nurses and staff of the North Cumberland Health Care Centre and the East Cumberland Lodge for their compassionate care. The family would also like to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to Claire’s longtime neighbours, Valerie Brown and Ray Jamison, for their loving friendship and support. The family would like to invite friends and relatives to join them in a celebration of Claire‘s life at Mundle’s Funeral Home, 10235 Durham St., Pugwash (902-243-2506) on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1 PM. A reception will follow. Respecting Claire’s wishes, cremation has taken place at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s memory to the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, North Cumberland Community Health Foundation, Wesley St. Matthews United Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. “Now there” … we will miss you Nuff!