
WHARTON – V. Claire, 86, of Hunt’s Point, Queens County, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 2, 2021 listening to the waves.
Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, Claire was a daughter of the late John and Florence (Smith) MacLean.
Claire moved to Liverpool at the age of 19 and began her working career at Steel and Engine Products Limited (STENPRO). She married Donnie Wharton and together with their growing family, moved to Quebec for a time. In 1973, they returned to Hunts Point and purchased the Hyway Market General Store and ran the store until 1990. In her spare time, Claire enjoyed rug hooking, curling, walking and watching Coronation Street and Downton Abbey. She was a former member of the Wesley United Church UCW and she remained true to her Cape Breton roots; returning there often to reconnect.
Surviving are her daughters Heather Wharton, Danielle (Charles) Robertson and her son Steven, all of Port Joli. Her grandchildren Lyndsay, Jeremy, Lewis and Lee and her great grandson Zachary.
Besides her parents, Claire was predeceased by her husband Donnie, her daughter Dawn, her infant sister Joan and her brother Reverend Piercey MacLean.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool where a memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.. No flowers by request, donations may be made to the Wesley United Church, Hunts Point or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.
Those attending Claire’s service are asked to bring a mask, hand sanitize, practice social distancing wherever possible and provide funeral staff with contact tracing information.
Offer Condolence for the family of Wharton; Virginia “Claire”

Cookie Trainor
Dear Heather
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. I was always happy when she asked me to take you and your brother Steven out for walks after school and in the Summers. We always had a good time.
Keep your memories close to your heart while you go through this hard time. I am here if you need anything.
Love Cookie
Liz Fraelic
Heather, and family. I am sorry to hear this sad news. Your Mom was always so kind and friendly whenever we met. My sincerest sympathies on your loss. I know you have many good memories.
Liz
Connie and Albert Munroe
So very sad to hear this news. Claire was like a second mother to me growing up and I will always hold those memories close to my heart. Our thoughts and love go out to Danielle and family.
Mary Lowe
To The Family:
Please accept my sincere condolances on the
loss of your loved one..RIP Claire..Hugs to all..
Leslie Conrad( Moffatt)
Heather, Steven, Danielle, so sorry to hear of your mom passing. She was a beautiful person.Thinking of you at this time. Sending Love & Light❤️
Carol Townsend
So sorry to read of Claire passing. She was a very nice person. Please accept my condolences to all the family.
Patty Burgess
To Claire’s Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss… she was a sweet lady I always enjoyed our chats when we ran in to each other she had a heart of gold…. R.I.P my angel ❤
Leon & Norma Robertson
Danielle, Leon and I are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s Passing. She was a lovely person and I always enjoyed our time over coffee and our chats on the phone. Also, our times together when we lived in Hunts Point. Our condolences to Clairs family.
Leon & Norma Robertson
Donna and Ian Denison
Danielle, Heather, Steven and family – please accept our condolences on the passing of your mom – such a lovely lady.
Rosalee Smith
Heather, so sorry for your loss. My chats with your mom had grown fewer over the years but we always had something to talk about! My condolences to you and your family.
Loretta and Butch Cook
Claire will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Claire, Audrey Milford, Mary Ferguson and I use to meet every Monday morning in about the year 2000, sipped coffee and discussed the Gospel for the week and tried to apply it our every day lives. We all appreciated Mary’s input especially. Claire always reiterated how much she enjoyed that. Claire was such a gentle, caring person which she demonstrated in her daily life……. a true Christian for sure. Our condolences to the family.
Dan Sinclair
Dear Heather, Danielle and families:
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Claire was a loved friend to both Louise and me in past years. We shared some great day trips with her to Yarmouth and the Eastern shore beaches.
She had a great sense of humour and kind spirit and will be missed by all who knew her.
Dan Sinclair
Port Medway
Sandy Stuart Pelley
Danielle, So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing sending condolences to you and
your family.
Clark and Sandra Hebb
To the Wharton Family . Sorry for your loss, please accept our sincere condolences
Gina Harlow
Heather we are sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences.
Bruce Theriau
To All The Family
So sorry to hear of Claire’s passing. My thoughts are with you all in these difficult times.
Judy Theriau
Danielle
I am so saddened by the news of your mom passing. Just another angel among us gone much to soon. She will be missed by this community and all you knew her. Such a dear soul gone but not forgotten.
Judy Theriau
Teresa Smiley
So sorry for the family’s loss. I only got to know Claire over the past few months but she touched my heart. We had a lot of great laughs. Claire was a very special lady and loved her family dearly. RIP Sweet Lady.
My sincere condolences
Teresa Smiley
Clyde & Wendy MacAdams
To Claire’s family,
Gordon and I were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a lovely lady who will be missed. Please know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Take care
Philip& Holly Smith
Dear family,
We are truly saddened that Claire has passed, yet relieved that her journey through illness has ended.
Claire was a wonderful, strong lady, and a true friend.
Our little community has lost another integral member, and she will he missed by many.
To Heather, Stephen, Danielle and Charles, and all the family, please accept our deepest condolences as you say goodbye .
Rest peacefully Claire; you will not be forgotten.
Holly and Philip
Brenda Husk8ns
Danielle, your Mom was a sweet, kind, lady. May she RIP, sympathy to you and your family.
David F. Large
Danielle , Heather and family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I remember them well from the years they operated the Hunt’s Point Market . ..always pleasant greetings with each purchase. Thinking of you as you deal with your loss.
David and Jeanne
Philip & Daisy Broome
We have known Claire since the Hyway market days always a nice lady. So sorry to hear of her passing our sincere condolences to all her family,,
Richard and Peggy Hatt
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear mom. She was a lovely lady and I’ve always enjoyed having a chat with her whenever our paths crossed. She gave me a huge bag of wool hook mats a couple of years ago, which I was pleased to get. Sincerely Peggy Hatt
Bucky and Donna Norman
Condolences to the family. May your many memories help you through this difficult time and keep her in your hearts forever.
Kim Beaton
Heather, Steven, Danielle, Charles and family
Our deepest condolences to you all! Claire was a lovely, sweet and wonderful person that brought so much joy to our lives. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Love Kim and John Willie Beaton
Orris and Carol Anne Whynot
So sorry Danielle and the rest of the family on the loss of your mother she was a really sweet lady .Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all .
Tim McDonald
Dear Danielle
So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Dave & Jocelyn Broughm
To All of the Family:
Claire was a very sweet & generous Lady.
Sending condolences to you all.
Dave & Jocelyn Broughm
Pete and Susan Ferguson
So sad to lose one of the last surviving members of the old Main Street gang. It was always a pleasure seeing and chatting with Claire, whether it was the old neighborhood barbecues, visits to our house, or stops into the market. An unforgettable smile also. My mum cherished those prayer group meetings that Loretta described above. Our sincere sympathy on your loss, Heather, Stephen and Danielle, and your families.
Pete and Susan Ferguson
Michael, Heather, Caleb and Corbin Anthony
Thinking of you all
Phyllis C Tutty
So sad to hear of Claire’s passing. In the years before Covid-19 Clare met with us girls at the Emera Center
most week days for coffee. Claire was a fellow Cape Bretoner. I will miss her pleasant manner.
Phyllis C Tutty
Heather Cook
Danielle and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you in the sad days ahead.
Heather (Lawrence) Cook
Blair C. Smith, Halifax, NS
Very sad to hear of the passing of Claire. Grew up in Hunts Point, her and Donnie were part of the community in such a big way. My condolences.
TISH
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE WHARTON FAMILY , SINCERELY TISH FISHER .,
rhiannon fitzpatrick
My condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to you all. Claire was an amazing woman I grew up biking to the store to buy candy with the other neighbourhood kids . Claire was always so caring and sweet , even when I was waiting on her a few years ago Claire was still the sweet caring woman she always was and smiling. She will be missed ❤️
Ron & Barb Campbell
To the Family,
We are saddened to hear of Claire’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Bernie and Margaret Swain
Dear Heather:
We are so sorry to learn of your loss of your mom. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace.
Bernie and Margaret Swain.
Arthur and Marion Clattenburg
Sorry to hear of Claire’s passing. Deepest sympathies to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arthur and Marion Clattenburg
Janie Sponagle
So sorry for your loss. We had so many chats over the years at the Hyway Market, and I just talked to her a couple of months ago at the hospital. Claire was always cheerful and always so friendly,
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Danielle, Heather, Steven and all the Family. She was a Beautiful, Caring and Amazing Lady, We always enjoyed talking with her whenever we would meet. Our Condolences and Heartfelt Sympathy to all her family. Treasure Your Memories. She will be missed.
Nina & Doug
To Danielle, Heather & Steven
We were very sorry to hear that Claire has passed away. May she rest in peace, free from pain & suffering. Claire was a good friend to Mom and we will always remember her fondly.
Lorna & Stewart MacPherson
It is with heavy hearts that we send our condolences to Heather, Danielle, Steven and family. We loved Claire. Our times together these past two years have left us with wonderful memories. We especially loved hearing her stories of life on Main St., and the fun they all had. In later years, Claire remained a dedicated friend to Mom. She was thoughtful, caring, a true lady. We will miss our visits, but will be forever grateful of the time we had.
Sincerely, Lorna & Stewart
Glen DeMond
Danielle and family:
Sorry to learn of your mothers passing. I met your mother for the first time at Ruth Chandlers funeral in 2016 being introduced by David Chandler. Through conversation at the time I learned that her birthday and year were the same as mine. I sent her birthday wishes a few time since then. on the occasion. A lovely lady to have met. My thoughts and sympathy are with you.
Janet and Peter Fountain
Our sincere condolences to Heather and Danielle and Steven. Your Mother was a lovely person, and I remember many conversations with her over the years. She always wanted to know about what was happening in my life, just as I wanted to hear about her life, and of course, about you kids, and what was happening in your lives. Claire was such a sweet person. She will be missed.
Murray Morris
So sorry to hear about Claire’s passing. I really enjoyed her visits to Cape Breton. Especially when we aĺl would gather at our Cousin Marjorie’s for supper. Thanks for the memories, Claire
Love
Murray Morris
Ronald & Sharon Verge
Our Condolences to all the Family on the,
passing of Claire,She was a wonderful Lady.
She will be missed.
Pat Patterson
Sending sincere condolences to Danielle, Heather and the rest of Claire’s family. She was such a sweet person.
Doug and Carol Frellick
We were sad to hear of Claire’s passing,condolences to the family at this difficult time,she will be greatly missed.
Sandy Brown
Danielle, Charles, Lewis and Lee, Heather; I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Claire really was someone who brightened the world around her. I’ll miss her and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Trisha Doucette
Dear Heather and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Claire was a wonderful and sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Robert/Marjorie MacGowan
We were sad to hear of Claire’s passing. To all the family our sincere condolences.
Lorraine MacGowan
To all of Claire’s family I send my dearest condolences. She was such a sweet woman and a real lady. She was an integral part of the community and thoughts of her always bring a smile.
Liz Langille Eneroth
You will be loved and missed by the Langille family now you are
at peace and with daughter Dawn
Nancy Dobson
To Heather and family,so sorry to hear of Clairs’ passing,my sincere sympathy to all.
Sandi Simpson
Claire was a very special lady, always a smile and kind word for others. I have only seen her a few times over the last couple of years but it was always nice to chat with her. She will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Bev Pettersen
Heather & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mum’s passing. I first met her on Main Street as a preschooler and instantly felt her warmth and kindness. It was always a pleasure to see her along with that beautiful smile. My thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Janette Wamboldt
Sorry for the loss.Claire use to decorate a minature Christmas Tree in the store at Christmas and put a gift under it for my daughter when she was a toddler and she did this for years!We will never forget that,RIP Claire
Sky Curtis
To the Wharton’s : I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I send my deepest condolences.
Paul
Dannielle, Was just talking to Paul and he asked me to send condolences to you and your family.
Cheryl Hatt
To Claire’s family. Bob and I are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was one of a kind ….always seen with a smile and always had time for a chat to catch up . She will always be with you in your hearts and your memories. Take care.
Gary Rawding
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Claire she was a wonderful person, my condolences to all the family.
Daphne Ackermann
All of Claire’s family, I am sorry for your loss. She was a lovely, friendly person who has left us all with great memories.
Joyce and John Bolivar
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Your memories of your mom and grandmother will be with you always. Danielle Heather Steven Lewis and Lee.
Lynn Lavender
Dear Heather,Steven,Danielle and family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom..I remember when you moved to Hunts Point, when your Mom and Dad had the store..I will remember them both fondly.Your Mom and I would have great conversations when we met at the grocery store..will miss our chats.Thinking of you all in the days ahead❤️
Lorna MacPherson
To Claire’s Family,
On behalf of the Liverpool Curling Club, we were so saddened to learn of Claire’s passing. She was a lovely lady, who will be missed by many, most especially her family.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Board and Members of the Liverpool Curling Club
Liz
Heather, Danielle and Steven, it was both a relief and sadness of learn of your mothers passing. She was so very, very lucky to have had a family that cared so deeply for her, both emotionally and physically, that she was able to leave this world in her own bed, in her own home, as she wanted to do. Be proud that you were able to do, to give her that gift, at sacrifice to your own lives. It is hard to believe that just a few short months ago, Mum and I sat laughing and joking with her in a restaurant in Bridgewater. Life knocks hard, and swiftly. Take care of yourselves, as you did of her.
Liz and John Hunter, Dorothy Jewers
Gale Deveau
Our sincere condolences to all of Claire’s family, I always enjoyed talking to her over the years at Hyway Market and having a chat if I saw her in town after that.
Gale and Art Deveau
Walter and Elizabeth
Dear Heather and Family.
Sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother. She was well loved by you and her community of friends. Fond memories will remain.
Joanne Uhlman
My sincere condolences to the Wharton family on Claire’s passing. In earlier years we knew Claire through the Hunts Point store, and in more recent years I enjoyed spending time with Claire for a couple of winters, in our small rug hooking group. We will all miss her.
Robert & Sally Fader
To Claire’s family:
So sorry to read this news. Claire was a beautiful person and always smiling. Sending condolences to all at this sad and most difficult time.
Persis
Condolences to you and your family at this time. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.
Craig Stuart/Maria Labour
To Claire’s family:
We are thinking of you all and sending our heartfelt condolences. Take Care
Lance &Karen Roy
Heather, Steve and Danielle and family’s please except our sincere condolences we were saddened to hear of your moms passing she was a very nice person and will be missed by all who knew her
Billand Anna Cox
Danielle, Charles and family
Sorry to read of your mothers passing, knew her from Highway Market, always game for a chat we extend our sympathies in her passing
Suanne Shankel-Sampson
Heartfelt condolences to Heather, Stephen, Danielle, along with all of Claire’s family.
Your mother was a special lady, who always made time for a little chat, chuckle and a smile whenever I met her.
Treasure your memories during this difficult time.
Heather Fader
Danielle and family, So very sorry to hear about your Mom. Please know we are thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
Heather and Johnny
Colleen Everest
Danielle
We were so sorry to hear about your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleen & Drew Everest
Diane Munro
Heather and Danielle andStephen
My sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your dear Mother. She was such a special lady. Take good care of yourselves during this time. Sincerely Diane
Todd J Hannam
Danielle & Family
Sending Heartfelt Sympathy
Sincerely
Todd J Hannam
Victoria Raine
Dear Heather and Family , condolences and thoughts to you at this sad time from Mom ( Barb Moffatt ) and from me . The keepsake wth all the photos is so heartfelt and beautiful. The fullness of a long life with family and friends and all the changes , challenges and enduring love over the years that was Claires life. Very touching. May Claire rest in peace✨
Beryl Hatt
Heather & family
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, she was such a lovely lady, always ready with a smile and a chat. R.I.P. my friend
Kaitlin
Danielle and family,
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of your mom, she was such a wonderful lady and I enjoyed my time I got to spend with her my condolences
Allan and Beth LaRocque
To The Family
We are very sorry to hear of Claire passing. She was a true Caper and we spoke of home often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. R.I.P Claire love Beth.
Sylvia Roy
In Memory of my dear friend
Esther and Kevin Doggett
To Claire’s Family
Heartfelt condolences to all of you. Claire was such a great lady and we enjoyed our time with her at the store and church in Hunts Point. Her lovely smile always lit up her whole face and it was always a pleasure to chat with her. She will be missed.
Tara and Dave Smith
Dear Danielle and Heather
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your families.
Tara & Dave
Karen Umphrey
Heather,Danielle and family.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Claire was a beautiful person.
Christine MacPherson
Dear Heather,Danielle and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a special person who always had time for a chat and a chuckle. She will be missed by many.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Christine
Zona Hatt
Dear All ,
We’re sending our sincere condolences . Your Mom was a sweet lady , always with a smile & time for a chat. I know you’ll miss her & I hope your memories will bring some comfort as you grieve. God Bless.
Zona , Stephen & Donnie
Evelyn Hupman
My thoughts are with you all … Claire was a beautiful woman … inside and out.
Donnie and Valerie
Danielle,Very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother.
Jenny Hasselman
Heather, Danielle and family
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was such a wonderful friend to me and my folks (Dan & Louise Sinclair) I enjoyed so many visits with her, and sharing our love of finding treasures at Frenchy’s! She was always so kind and generous, with me and my kids and I know that she absolutely adored her grandkids. I wish you all the best and take care.
Paul and Mary Lou Smith
Heather, Danielle, Stephen & Families
We are saddened to learn of your Mom’s passing. She always cared about others and was a big part of the community in Hunts Point. We were sorry to learn of her illness and heaven has another bright star. Our deepest sympathy and condolences. May the blessings be.
Paul & MaryLou Smith
Yvonne McNamara and Brian Muise
My sincere condolences to you Heather and your family for the loss of your Mom.. My thoughts are with you in your time of grieving.
Kevin and Sherry Roy
To all of Claire’s family . Sorry for your loss . She was a lovely lady.
Lisa & Donnie Parnell
We were sadden to hear of Claire’s passing. I have so many fond memories from my childhood of running in the store in my bare sandy feet after being on the beach. HAHA! With my dollor bill allowance I would get a full bag of treats and run back to the beach. She always had time for a chat and a smile with us kids. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Janet Smith
So saddened to hear the passing of your Mom!
Remember her well from the Hunts Point store , always friendly!
Sending my deepest condolences to You and the Families!
May she RIP
Mary Spruston (MacLean)
Claire was my Dad’s youngest sister. He loved her dearly. When I was four years old she taught me to tie my shoes. She was really concerned that I didn’t already know how to tie my shoes! I still think of her when I tie my shoes!
We didn’t live in Nova Scotia while we grew up but I have kept in touch with Claire as she remains my favorite aunt and she was so easy to talk to each time. When my Dad died in 2016 we visited Claire and my cousins. It was great to reconnect…