Obituary of Mrs. Pearl Massiah

Pearl Clementine Massiah (affectionately known as “Clemmie” or “Clem”), died peacefully on December 19, 2019 at 91 years of age at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after a battle with cancer. Clem is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Dr. Thomas Massiah, her daughter Sharleen Nwakwesi, two grandchildren Dike Nwakwesi and Adora Nwakwesi. Predeceased by her brother David Silver (Tuitt), and parents Alfred and Edna Tuitt. Clem was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved with her family to Montreal, Quebec when she was eight years old. They settled in Chambly, a town south of Montreal, where Clem’s mother ‘Ma Tuitt’ took care of many foster children from Montreal’s black community. Clem graduated from Sir George Williams College (now Concordia University) in Secretarial and Administrative studies, married childhood sweetheart Dr. Thomas Massiah in 1951, and moved to Toronto with their daughter Sharleen in 1966. Clem will be remembered as a gracious hostess with a cheerful laugh, who enjoyed entertaining, cooking, playing bridge, aqua fitness, and travel. She worked as a medical secretary in hospitals and medical offices. Later in her career, she was an Administrative Assistant with the Canadian Council of Homemaker Services. Clem was an active member of St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church, and after retirement, volunteered at local hospitals, the Children’s Aid Society and various community organizations. Visitation will be held at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, on Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 between 2 and 4 p.m. and 6 and 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church, 3333 Finch Avenue East, on Wednesday, January 08, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.