Hilda Clarke

Hilda Mary Clarke

October 3, 1924 a�" August 23, 2011

Now is the time to say goodbye to a wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend. Peacefully at Portage General Hospital on Tuesday August 23, Hilda passed away.

Hilda was born on October 3, 1924 in Ochre River, Manitoba. Hilda's Mother passed away when she was 12 years old, at which time she went to live with her Aunt Hilda and Uncle Bill Rudd who lovingly raised her along with her cousin Jean. On September 4, 1946, Mom became Mrs. Stanley Clarke and together they raised their children a�" Brian and Dennis (Sheryl). Life became sweeter with the arrival of grandchildren Heidi (Jason), Kelly (Sherman), and Travis (Robyn) and great grandchildren Reese, Grady and Kate.

Mom and Dad started their married life in Dauphin where they raised their two sons and where she started her career with the Department of Highways. While they made many friends and memories in Dauphin, in 1968 Hilda accepted a transfer to Portage La Prairie, where she retired from her 23 year career. Mom loved her work and made many lifelong friends along the way.

A great deal of Mom and Dad's social life revolved around the Elks and the Royal Purple. Mom served as the treasurer for a time and became a life member, having served over 50 years. We have many fond memories of family gatherings at the Rudd Farm and later at their home in Makinak, summer camping trips, and picnics at Skanes Crossing. She was very supportive of her sons, attending all baseball and hockey games, the original "Hockey Mom". Scouts was also a big part of our family life, with her hosting and helping out with troop activities.

Later in life Mom, Dad and Brian spent winters RVing in Texas. She loved her time down south shopping, and taking part in dances, themed dinners and activities with other snowbirds. Hilda loved to cook and was known for many dishes, especially her mustard sauce and strawberry rhubarb jam which she lovingly made for family and friends.

Mom's easy going and kind hearted nature and her infectious smile and giggle made her easy to love. She often expressed how lucky she was to have such a happy childhood and how proud she was of her family. 86 years of life well lived have left us with wonderful memories and for that we are grateful.

Our family would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Omichinski and the staff at the Portage Hospital for taking such good care of our Mother.

A service to celebrate Hilda's life will be held on Saturday August 27 at 2:00pm at the McKenzie Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South, Portage La Prairie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hilda's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6 or a charity of one's choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com