It is with heavy hearts that the family of Henrietta (Hettie) May Clark announce her passing in hospital after a short illness.Hettie was born on October 11, 1921 in Keewatin. She met the love of her life Maxwell (Max) as he was going overseas in 1942. Upon his return they were married in 1945 and together they raised their three children in Keewatin and then later moved to Atikokan. In 1968, Hettie rose to the challenge of having to relearn every day routines and speech after the removal of a brain tumour. Hettie worked as the manager of the Sears catalogue store in Atikokan for many years, and received awards for her sales performance.In 2002, Hettie and Max moved to Kakabeka in order to be closer to family. Their routine often included walking hand in hand across the street to the Cascades for lunch. Dr. Alf Lower was a kind friend who looked after their medical needs for many years. After Max's passing in 2006, Hettie resided first at The Walford and more recently at Roseview Manor where she enjoyed socializing with her many friends. She could be seen wheeling her walker down the hallway heading for coffee with her friends Doris O'Connor and Audrey Dalzell. Despite serious health challenges in the past few years, Hettie's determination and feistiness continued to amaze both medical personnel and her family.A kind and gentle soul, Hettie was always there to help others in any way possible. She delighted in spending time with her family. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were always a special joy to her. She loved going for Sunday dinner and visiting with Lorne's in-laws Alfred and Wilma.Hettie was predeceased by her parents William and Lily Armour, her brother Douglas who died serving in WWII RCAF, her husband Max, and her son-in-law Richard Petch.She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her son Lorne (Alice), daughters Cheryl Gingras (Sebastien) and Heather Petch, grandchildren Mark (Michelle), Andy (Alyson), Jessica (Neil), Karren (Darren), great grandchildren Aidan, Kieran, Ethan, Mataya and Keeleigh as well as brothers-in-law Evan (Donna), Alvin, sisters-in-law Norma Reid, Ila Lang (Andy) and cousin Betty Anne Ross.A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 3rd at 2 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kakabeka with Pastor Gary Heinz officiating. Hettie will rejoin Max at Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Thunder Bay.The family wishes to thank the staff at both The Walford and Roseview Manor as well as the numerous medical personnel who provided care and assistance for Hettie. Thank you to the O'Connor and Dalzell families for their many visits with Hettie. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have offered comfort and support to us.Our loss is heaven's gain, Rest in peace dearest Hettie.Online condolencesmay be made through
www.nwfainc.com"
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Feb. 22, 2014.