Search by Name

Search by Name

Hetty CLEWS Obituary

CLEWS, Dr. Hetty Of Victoria, British Columbia passed away with family at her side on Monday, November 5, 2012 in the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Born in Rowley Regis, Birmingham, UK, July 18, 1929, to Wilfred and Florence Minnie Upton, Hetty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also an acclaimed actor, singer, author, director, and educator. She completed her BA in Theology at the University of Birmingham and a BEd, MA, and PhD in English at the University of Saskatchewan. Her passion for the theatre led her to be involved with the Saskatoon Summer Players, the Gateway Players, ArtSpring, the Langham Court Theatre, and numerous other theatre companies-a testament to her love of supporting community access to the arts. An active volunteer, Hetty regularly dedicated her time to such causes as hospice, libraries, and the environment. She held great comfort in her faith, and was a lay minister both in England and on Salt Spring Island, BC. Hetty was an excellent cook, a whiz at Scrabble, and had a beautiful voice, which she was not afraid to use, whether it was to welcome friends and family into her presence, or to sing. Everyone who knew her knew how she loved people, and her secret chocolate stash was never a secret for too long in her household. Hetty is survived by her husband of 59 years Dr. Alan Clews; her son Simon (Susan), her daughters Alison (Bob), Margaret (Sheldon), Madeleine (Hugh); her grandchildren Sarah (Geoffrey), Rachel (Adam), Katherine (Dave), Justin (Kimi), Sam (Ashley), Emily, Erin, and Laura; and her great-grandchildren Colin, Ryan, and Julian. She will be greatly missed by Barbara Wood and family, Margaret Downton, Janet Stokes, Max Taylor, Allan and Margaret Harris, Patrick Queely (Helen), David Holmes, Marje Clews, Bonnie Taylor, and many others. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 am November 14th, 2012 at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of BC. "In our beginning is our end, and in our end is our beginning."
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Hetty CLEWS

Sponsored by anonymous.

Not sure what to say?





39 Entries

Alison

November 5, 2024

We said "good-bye" 12 years ago today, and I miss you so much and think of you often, Mom. You would be (and I am sure you are) very proud of who your grandchildren and great-grandchildren have become and are becoming. In your great-grandchildren, I see a reflection of you and Dad. What an amazing legacy you left us. Remember, you are loved. And that what will survive of us, is love.

Alison Holmes

November 5, 2013

One year ago, we said goodbye. I miss you everyday, Mom. Until we meet again, I will continue to honour your memory and will do my best to keep your memory alive in your great grandchildren. For truly, what will survive of us is love.

Margaret & Jim Henning

November 29, 2012

I am not a successful 'FaceBooker, but was impelled / compelled over these past days to renew my search for Hetty, having first come upon her FB page some months ago. Last evening we learned of her death. Her site provides photos, now to be cherished. When visiting my then living brothers at Victoria and Sidney, Hetty and Allan were always so gracious as to invite us to spend a day with them in their wonderful home on Salt Spring Island. Upon each visit, Hetty played paino, harp and she sang. HETTY SANG! Despite that over the past six years, regrettably, we lost touch, the Clews possess huge equity in our memory banks. When our son died, the phrase "... living in the constant presence of his absence ..." became part of who we are. Hetty's beloveds will now so live and we grieve with them.

Valla Eiriksson

November 17, 2012

I feel so blessed to have known Hetty. She was a most amazing and amazingly-gifted woman.... I'm sure she knew the lyrics and melody to every song ever written! I will always remember her sparkling wit, dry sense of humour, loving heart and gentle kindness. She is an inspiration to us all.

Robert Currie

November 14, 2012

I first met Hetty in 1970 at a two week accreditation course for teachers of English. She was one of the facilitators for that course, and it soon became obvious that she was an inspiring speaker and a wonderful teacher. She was a fine roll model for my teaching career. My sympathies to her family on their loss of a very special person.

Betty Anne Hamilton

November 14, 2012

In a summer sermon on Salt Spring Island I recall Hetty reminding us that synchronicities are God's way of saying, "Pay attention to what's happening in your life!"
Her kindness during my husband David's struggle with ALS was exemplary.

Spence Sample

November 13, 2012

We were saddened to hear of Hetty's passing but we wish her well with this "new beginning". Our condolences go to all in the Clews family. Endless good memories of your Mom during her time in Kerrobert and beyond will always remain. The Sample family

Tracy jansson

November 12, 2012

rest in peace

Tracy Jansson

November 12, 2012

rest in peace

Helen Burgardt

November 10, 2012

To Dr.Alan Clews and your family my deepest sympathy to all of you. I had Mrs. Clews as my Home Ec. teacher and we had many laughs together when things didn't work out..It was so great to see Hetty at the Kerrobert 100 Jubilee last year and to see that she really hadn't changed and her voice as beautiful as ever.It is a great shock that she has left you all too soon. Thank you for the memories Hetty!

Alice Bacon

November 10, 2012

Condolences to Hetty's family. I knew her from my term at Langham Court Theatre as a lively, intelligent woman, a skilled comedic actor and a good friend to many people in the theatre community.

Richard Harris

November 10, 2012

She was a very kind person.

Renata Justkowski

November 10, 2012

To the Family & Friends of Hetty:

I knew Hetty through an on-line game, Babble, for which we shared a passion (playbabble.com). It's amazing how much a personality can shine through in simple 'chat.' I know she was warm, witty and brilliant, and always seeking new knowledge. She will be greatly missed by the Babble community - we share your loss. Virtual hugs to you all, with compassion, helenkeller from Babble.

Cheryl Baxter

November 10, 2012

I am so saddened to hear of your Mum's passing. I have many fond memories of her teaching us in Kerrobert, SK. in the 60's. Her passion for drama inspired us and her voice was amazing. Her presence at Kerrobert's Centennial was such a wonderful surprise and she looked beautiful. Hers was a life truly and fully lived. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. You will have wonderful memories. Cheryl Baxter [nee Chamberlain] Prince George, B.C.

Cheryl, Graham, Janine & Jocelyn

November 9, 2012

To the entire Clews Clan, and especially to our dear cousins Sam and Emily: may you find peace in seeing all the incredible things people have said in this guestbook. What an accomplished woman Hetty was, and what an amazing legacy she leaves in all of you.

Rhonda and Jim Cooper

November 9, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

The Choir of St Michael & All Angels

November 9, 2012

For a precious time both Allan and Hetty were active members of the Choir of St Michael & All Angels' Church, Royal Oak, Victoria. They were fine contributing members of the congregation too, and we miss them.

Larry & Karyne Wilson

November 9, 2012

We were saddened to hear that Hetty had passed away. We had the pleasure of sharing some memorable times with her and her family. She always went out of her way to make us feel part of the family. Her zest for life was always evident as was her love of music She loved her family and was always there to support them in whatever they did. She will be truly missed. Our sincere sympathy to Alison, Bob, Sarah, Rachel and Katherine & Families

Michelle ( Lowes) Simes

November 9, 2012

Saddened to hear of Hetty's passing and our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this time. I remember as a child that she was one of the kindest people you would ever meet and she made everyone in her presence feel special.

Wayne Toews

November 9, 2012

May happy memories provide solace as you celebrate her exemplary life.

Jennifer Bassett

November 9, 2012

Love and condolences to Alan, Madeleine, Alison, Margi, Simon and families at the loss of dear Hetty. Was there ever a time when she didn't find something to sing about? Her full, rich life leaves a treasure-trove of wonderful memories for you all.

November 8, 2012

Here's to Act III, Hetty! Many good memories.

Rick Underwood

Clive and Margaret Hall

November 8, 2012

Alison, Bob and girls,
We are saddened to hear the news. Alison, I remember the times we shared talking about your mom. You are very blessed to have such wonderful memories of good times together. I know that God has a very special place for Hetty.
We Love ya!!!
Clive and Margaret.

Patrick Wolfe

November 8, 2012

Simon, my condolences to you and your family.

Bruce and Rusty Wilkinson/Dixson

November 8, 2012

Our kids were luckier than many. They had three grandmothers and Hetty has had an honorary membership in our family for many years. A visit to the welcoming Clews home was always a highlight of any trip to Victoria. Our heats will be with the Clews family this week - sorry we were not able to make it in person.

Carmen Milenkovic

November 8, 2012

What a beautiful obituary. Dear Margi - I'm sorry that you've lost your mother, but I can see through the words on the page, that she was inspiring, loving, talented, fun, generous, forgiving, enlightening, spectacular - a gracious woman who embraced life. How wonderful for you to have grown up in the warmth of her spirit, and to have her envelop Sheldon and your kids. I wish you the best of memories, and the grace that she has left you.

Jan Norris

November 8, 2012

I was always in awe of my friend Margi's mother Hetty: for her encyclopedic knowledge and academic achievements (accomplished while raising four kids); her conversation, always entertaining as well as wise; and her superb singing voice. I'll never forget the first time I heard it while caroling around the piano many Christmases ago. She was always very kind to me and my family, and I loved it when she came to visit. It seems she's left us suddenly, and I'm so sad I won't see her again.

Mo Koetting (nee Stilling)

November 8, 2012

Growing up in a theatre family in Saskatoon, I got to know Hetty as both an amazing actress (sometimes she was married to my dad for a production) and as a director. A lovely mum for a lovely family. I am so sorry to hear that she is gone, but she will have left a beautiful legacy in her kids, her grandkids and in the countless young lives she will have touched and influenced through her passion for theatre. May you find strength in each other and healing in the many beautiful memories you share. May God hold you close, draw you together and grant you peace as you grieve.

November 8, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

November 8, 2012

Hello to Margie and Family: Memories take me back to drama and Rosetown when Hetty shared her talents with the staff. Meeting her daughter as a teacher of our kids (Blair and Chelan) and as a personal colleague has been an amazing privilege. Special thougts to each of you at this time. Linda and Bob

Heather and Derek Punshon

November 8, 2012

So sorry to hear that your Mom has died. We have wonderful memories of the time shared in Kerrobert, and visits in later years. Blessings to all of you
Heather and Derek Punshon

Angie Hills

November 8, 2012

I will never forget my time visiting on Salt Spring, the sing songs around the piano and getting my butt kicked by you at scramble. I love you. RIP beautiful Hetty.

Sarah

November 8, 2012

I love you grandma. Thank you for all of the lessons, the music, and for being there for anyone who needed you. Remember, you are loved.

Jaclyn Burgoyne

November 8, 2012

Alison, Bob and family,
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved mom. So very sorry to hear this sad news. My deepest condolences.
Jaclyn

Sharon Matheson

November 8, 2012

I first met Hetty about 30 years ago while she was visiting with the Corbetts in Saskatoon. We instantly became friends and over the years shared many special moments. We have sang many songs together and I will always think of you Hetty when I break into something like "memories" from CATS, or Hallelujah chorus. You will always be a bright light in my memories of you. Heavens choir will have to make room for a star. I love you Hetty.

Kathleen and Tom Stidham

November 8, 2012

Hetty was a blessing. Kind and gracious, and ever generous of time and song. We are so sad we will not see her again.

Nanci Taylor

November 8, 2012

Though I never knew Dr. Hetty Clews, I had the pleasure of spending time with her daughter Alison, when she visited Australia earlier this year. . .Alison is such a beautiful person with a loving heart that you just know she had to get that from her mum.
My prayers and love are with Alison and her family at this time

Janine Mullett

November 8, 2012

I was blessed to meet Hetty while I lived in Victoria for 5 years. The Clews family was always incredibly warm and welcoming to a 'default' family member. Thank you for the wonderful conversations, laughs and spontaneous concerts of music and song. I will remember you fondly. x

November 8, 2012

I did not have the honor of knowing Hetty, but I do know her daughter Alison and in her I can see a reflection of her mother's beauty,
talent, and zest for life. This is a sad time for the family, but rest assured you will all be together again one day. My love and prayers to you all. Sincerely, Kathryn Brown - Windsor, Ontario xox

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Memorial Events
for Hetty CLEWS

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.