Clarke, Elder Shirley Marie ~ age 73, of Glooscap First Nation, started her journey to the Spirit World on Friday, December 12, 2025.

She passed at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Bear River First Nation, Nova Scotia, Shirley was a daughter of the late Chief Joseph and Doris (Brooks) Peters and the granddaughter of the late Chief Louis Peters of Bear River First Nation and Charlotte Pearl (McCumber). Shirley grew up on McGill Road with her seven brothers and six sisters and attended school in Middleton, Nova Scotia.  As a sixties scoop child she was sent to St. John, New Brunswick.  When she returned she met and married Peter Clarke in 1971 and together, they raised two daughters.  She was a former Chief of Glooscap First Nation, a respected Elder, and a dedicated advocate within the Mi'kmaw community. Shirley committed the majority of her adult years to working on behalf of the Mi'kmaq.  During her many years as Chief of Glooscap First Nation she leaned on her spirituality and was instrumental in many community initiatives, including the establishment of St. Joseph's Chapel.  She served on numerous committees throughout her life, earning deep respect for her leadership, wisdom and compassion. She was an inspiration to Mi'kmaw women and was an advocate for veterans, youth, and those who needed a helping hand. She cared deeply for her community and worked for the betterment of the Mi'kmaw Nation.  She was a strong voice at a time when there were very few female Mi'kmaw Chiefs.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Peter Clarke, Glooscap First Nation; daughters Twila (Rick) Gaudet, Mount Denson, and Monica (Stephen) Clarke-Johnson, Ellershouse; sisters Loretta "Joan" (Bryce) Foster, Glooscap First Nation, Marilyn (Richard) Perkins, Glooscap First Nation, Lorraine (Tom) Whitman, Lawrencetown, and Darlene (Kenneth) Copeland, Truro; brothers Ronald (Susan) Peters, Saint John, New Brunswick, Leonard "Larry" (Terry) Peters, Wilmot, Lynwood "Woody" Peters, Glooscap First Nation, and Sydney (Darlene) Peters, Debert; grandchildren Clay Gaudet, Mount Denson, Waverley Gaudet, Falls Lake, and Isaiah Johnson, Ellershouse; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, who she loved dearly.

Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her sisters Theresa and Valerie, and brothers Glen, Lester, and Bernard "Bernie".

Visitation will be held from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, Middleton (toll free 1-855-825-3448).

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in St. Joseph's Chapel, Glooscap First Nation, with Father Alray Compuesto officiating accompanied by Deacon David Hassler. A reception for family and friends will follow the service. Interment will take place in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Kingston.

Donations in Shirley's memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Online condolences or messages may be shared with the family by visiting

www.middletonfuneralhome.com