FLORENCE LILLIAN (DOLLY) CLARKE

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FLORENCE LILLIAN (DOLLY) CLARKE Peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2015, with her family by her side, Dolly passed into the arms of her creator. Her great faith gave her much strength and she knew she was going to a wonderful place. Florence was born on November 29, 1931 at her home in Brandon, Manitoba, daughter of Flora Smith (Hudd) and Edward Smith. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Norman Clarke, and brothers Howard Smith and Doyle Smith. She is survived by her daughter Heather Clarke (Tom Frain), son Gregory Clarke (Sean Ross), granddaughters Julia Frain and Kara Frain Dowhan (Gord Dowhan), sister-in-law Elsie Pennie, nieces, nephews, cousins and a huge circle of great friends. Her new great-granddaughter, Victoria Dowhan brought great joy and hope as she struggled with her illness. Clear Lake was Dolly's special place. She met Norm at Danceland and they enjoyed almost 50 years of happiness together. Dolly worked as an insurance broker at Dick Agencies in Brandon until her children were born. She embraced her career as a mother and wife and was simply the best mother ever. Later, she resumed her professional career at Patill Agencies in Winnipeg. Dolly's greatest joy was her family. She spread her love to Tom and Kara and Sean when they joined the family. The birth of Julia was the highlight of her life. She and Norm were enthusiastic grandparents, always eager to babysit or have a sleepover. She was a loved and active member of St. Chad's Anglican Church. Her spiritual life started at St. Michaels Academy in Brandon and her unwavering faith gave her strength to deal with all of the obstacles she encountered. Dolly was a great lady who loved everyone and lived to help and support others. She cared for Norm throughout his illness with Alzheimer's, always putting his needs above hers. Dolly and Norm loved to travel to Hawaii and Australia for winter vacations. They had many great times with the Arabian Horse Guard and the Shrine Pipe Band. Dolly loved her weekly bridge group and enjoyed attending theatre, opera and the symphony. She was an avid badminton player in Brandon and began curling once she moved to Winnipeg, proudly winning an eight ender. Upon retirement she and Norm took up golf, always walking all 18 holes of the Clear Lake golf course where she got her hole-in-one. Special thanks to Dr. Brandes of CancerCare who did not give up on her and encouraged her not to give up either. A service to celebrate Dolly's wonderful life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015, St. Chad's Anglican Church located at 472 Kirkfield Street, Winnipeg R3K 1E6 (Kirkfield Park United Church) with Rev. Dr. Susan Titterington officiating . Dolly would have preferred that her memory was recognized by a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9, St. Chad's Anglican Church or other charity that is special to you. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2015