Clara Scott's Story Family & Philanthropy

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Family & Philanthropy

Clara Christina Scott was a humble person, not wanting to draw special interest to herself. With ties to Georgetown and Cheltenham, she grew up on a farm in Mississauga. A registered nurse, Clara began her career at Toronto General Hospital, where she ultimately became the chief surgical nurse. She ended her career as the occupational health nurse at Avro Canada.
 
Two of Clara’s many passions in life were healthcare and philanthropy. She generously donated her time and resources to multiple institutions over the years, including Georgetown Hospital. Clara gave anonymously, until shortly before her death and after discussions with her family, she agreed that her generous giving could be publicly commemorated.
 
“She had certain goals in life, and she just made the commitment,” said her son, Jack Evans. “She told me she practiced philanthropy her whole life.”
 
Earlier this year, Clara passed away peacefully at Amica Peel Village, at 103 years of age. Over the years, she donated more than $650,000 to Georgetown Hospital. In honour of Clara’s kindness and generosity, a room in the Maternal Newborn unit has been named in her honour.
 
Her anonymous giving wasn’t the only surprise in Clara’s life. Five years ago, her family was amazed to learn that Clara had given up a son for adoption many years ago.
 
“At the age of 98, Clara was reunited with her son, whom she gave up for adoption in 1942, and kept a total secret from family and friends for 75 years,” read a statement from the family. “That reunion resulted in a loving friendship that lasted for her remaining five years and beyond.”
 
When Jack called his mother on Mother’s Day in 2017, Clara was soft-spoken and cautious. Jack explained to Clara that he had been looking for her for a number of years, and was able to locate her through Genealogical searching. Jack told his mother of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she was very excited. She thanked Jack for finding her, and the two bonded instantly. Clara shared her happy news with her family and friends, and they were excited, too.
 
Following their reconnection that year, Clara and Jack continued to stay in touch twice weekly. Despite Jack living on the east coast in New Brunswick, they were able to meet in person multiple times, where Jack was introduced to his extended family and loved ones.  He continues to have ongoing relationships with his new relatives, including his birth father’s, Cecil Rudolph, family members as well. Clara and Cecil maintained a loving relationship of more than 25 years following Jack’s birth. On those same trips, Clara was able to meet her grandchildren and two of her great-grandchildren.
 
Her family wants the community to know that Clara was an exceptional nurse, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and also a generous philanthropist who quietly donated to better her community. The Georgetown Hospital Foundation extends our heartfelt thanks to her entire family for sharing Clara’s story, and to Clara for her tremendous compassion and generosity that will live on within Georgetown Hospital for many years to come.

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Clara Scott and her son, Jack Evans.