March 19, 1938 - December 19, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Connie Kay Clarke, our devoted Mom, Nana, GMah and GG. She passed away comfortably at 82 years old, in the home of her daughter.
Connie was born in Edmonton, Alberta on March 19, 1938. From her toddlerhood to her teens, she lived with her mother and grandmother in Victoria. Tragically, the loss of both her Mom and her Grandma in the same year left her living alone at only 17 years old. Connie said that it was her loyal friends who carried her through that very difficult time. She treasured her friendships in life from then on.
Happily, Connie met Bud, the love of her life, in high school. He proposed at her grad, and they were married August 9, 1957. Best friends for over 62 years, until his passing last year on November 17, 2019.
They lived in Edmonton, and then moved back to their beloved Victoria for a while, before finally settling in Chilliwack for the next 48 years. She tended to a lovely garden space in each home they owned, and nurtured African violets always. Connie and Bud raised 2 children, Jim (Susan), and Vicki (John) and dearly loved their 5 granddaughters (Marcy, Amy, Sarah, Lindsay, Lianna) and their 5 great grandchildren. Her absence will be deeply felt by her siblings Marilyn and Garvin.
Over the years Connie and Bud bought travel RV's, so she could maintain their connections with family and friends in Victoria, Olds Alberta, and Elkhorn Manitoba. While having everyone together, Connie celebrated life's occasions. Usually gathered around kitchen tables or lawn chairs, enjoying rum and cokes, beers and boisterous conversation. More recently it was visits over lunch and coffee, but Connie continued to love bringing people together. Her easy conversations will be greatly missed by so many.
Connie always had a job outside the home, and she especially enjoyed her work at Chilliwack General Hospital. Connie and Bud both had a knack for turning co-workers into life-long friends who they travelled and partied with. These were some of her fondest memories.
Connie would like to be remembered as "someone who could get along well with others", but that is a typically humble request. She will be genuinely remembered for her sweet acceptance of all the people she met. One of her dearest friends recently said that "to have a good friend, you have to be one, and Connie was the best."
In lieu of a memorial celebration at this time, personal condolences and memories to be shared with family members may be sent to c.k.clarke@hotmail.com