Jessie CLARK

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CLARK: Jessie Clark (neé Gates) passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at the Carberry Personal Care Home on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the age of 91 years. Jessie Marjorie Gates was born to Lawrence and Marjorie Gates in a nursing home in Treherne, MB on January 6th, 1929. She grew up in a family with 6 siblings: an older brother Don, younger brothers Hanley and Barry, and three younger sisters: Deanna, Leona and Daisy. As a child, Jessie would walk to school at Boyne Creek or ride in the horse and cutter. Fond of her school days, Jessie was very sad that in Grade 8, passing with honors, she had to quit school to help at home. On the farm there was always work to be done and not much time for play. Every day had its chores: a day for doing the wash, a day to bake, a day to clean etc. As well, she stoked the wood stove, churned butter, canned, milked the cows, worked in the garden and cared for her siblings. When Jessie was 19, her father passed away suddenly, leaving more responsibility to his widow and children. At 21, Jessie met her husband, Lorne Clark and they were married on October 24th, 1953 at the Anglican Church in Treherne and were married for 56 years. Lorne and Jessie started their life together in Swan Lake, MB before moving to Carberry, MB in 1961. This became the home where they would raise their 5 children and host many family gatherings. Jessie was known by family and friends for her strong work ethic. She was a wonderful baker, tended her gardens and flower beds, helped Lorne on the farm and was an amazing housekeeper and host. Jessie enjoyed knitting, embroidery, keeping a tidy home and listening to country and gospel music. Her favourite times of all were spent with her children: attending their concerts and sporting events, helping with homework, buying just the ‘right’ gifts for birthdays and Christmas and cooking favourite meals and treats. As the grandchildren came along, watching them play and grow provided her with hours of entertainment and she loved to have all of her family together throughout the year; the two most special gatherings being Boxing Day and Mother’s Day. Jessie and Lorne enjoyed trips to Newfoundland, Calgary, Vancouver Island and Scotland and England during their marriage. They lived on the farm until the fall of 2009 when they made the move to Carberry. Lorne passed away shortly afterward and she greatly felt the loss of her partner. Jessie was able to stay in the house with help for two years before a move to the Personal Care Home in January 2012 was necessary. Jessie suffered from an essential tremor and later Expressive Aphasia. Her family certainly missed the sound of her voice over the last few years and will always be grateful for the exceptional care, attention and respect that she received in the Carberry Personal Care Home. Jessie will be loving remembered by her 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: daughter Marilyn (Murray) Day, Desiree (Dan), Courtney (Jon) and Kiara; daughter Lorraine (Larry) Fisher, Dustin (Kayla), Marty (Jacqui) and Nico, Blayne (Jenny) and Grace; son Laurie (Carol) Clark, Andrew (Brittany) and Charlee, Michael (Leah) and Jessie, Mya, Timothy and Karen, Rikki; daughter Lorna (Ray) Muirhead, Erica (Chris), Madison, Kendall (Kelsen); daughter Kim (Kevin) Chambers, Alec, Owen. Also left to cherish her memory are brother Hanley (Marilyn) Gates, sister Leona (Raymond) Timmerman and sister-in-law Evelyn Clark of Treherne, MB, sister Deanna Durand of Notre Dame, MB, sister Daisy Dowhy of Kingsville, ON, sister-in-law Carole Gates of Winnipeg, MB, sister-in-law Vera Glawson of Brandon and many treasured nieces and nephews. She is now reunited with her dear husband and other loved ones who passed before her. A celebration of Jessie’s life was held at the Carberry United Church on Saturday, January 25, 2020 with her niece, Reverend Lydia Glawson officiating. Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements. A private family interment was held at the Carberry Cemetery prior to the celebration of her life and another private service will be held this summer at her family plot at Boyne Creek cemetery near Treherne, MB. Donations in memory of Jessie may be made to the Westman Aphasia Association, Office 156, 100-1300 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6X7 or to the Carberry Personal Care Home, P.O. Box 2000, Carberry, Manitoba, R0K 0H0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 22, 2020