LOUISE CLARK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LOUISE CLARK (nee McKENTY) On Sunday, June 5, 2005, one day after her 62nd birthday, Mary Louise Hepburn Clark died at Saint Boniface Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Louise was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Mary Webb McKenty and Dr. J. Stewart McKenty. She is survived by her sister Margaret (Elizabeth) and her brothers, Christopher and Robert (Elizabeth) McKenty; nine nieces and nephews; her grandfather's wife Alice; and many friends. Louise was born in Winnipeg and educated at Balmoral Hall and United College. In 1964, Louise followed her aunt Margaret in moving to a balmier climate - Florida. A hurricane two days after her arrival did nothing to dampen her enthusiasm for her new life and she stayed there for the next 12 years, acquiring four stepdaughters along the way. After a variety of unusual and not always enjoyable jobs she discovered her life's passion in pottery. This, as well as the friendships she had formed, she brought back with her when she returned to Winnipeg in 1976. A bungalow in River Heights was gradually converted into a reflection of Louise's enthusiasms, from the pottery studio in the basement to the living room filled with an eclectic assortment of craftworks, photographs and souvenirs of her travels. Louise was sharp of tongue but kind of heart, devil-may-care but such a worrier, fierce in defence of her principles but gentle to those she loved, frugal but generous, modest but sure of herself. She loved food but not cooking, plants but not gardening, the outdoors but not bugs. She loved birds, dogs (especially Dobermans and Dachshunds), summers at Trout Lake, her cottage at Delta, Fort Whyte, mushrooms, music (listening and playing), crossword puzzles, chicken souvlaki...and she never met a noodle she didn't like. We will remember Louise for her fine sense of humour, her fabulous stories, her gift for teaching, her capacity to take delight, even in the smallest thing, and her ability to surprise even those who knew her best. Louise was blessed with a richly supportive group of friends, too many to name here, whose sterling qualities were increasingly evident in the months, weeks and hours before her death. Heartfelt thanks also go to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Saint Boniface Hospital, especially Clare, Laura, Alex, Stacey, and Tanya, to Patti Findlay, Dr. Daeninck and to Myrna Tabin. At Louise's request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life was held at the Alloway Reception Centre, Fort Whyte, 1961 McCreary Rd., on Friday, June 10 at 7.00 p.m. Interment will take place at Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery, 2373 Main St., on Saturday, June 11 at 11.00 a.m. In place of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in memory of Louise to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, R2L 1X3, the Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation Organization, Box 49, Glenlea, MB, R0G 0S0 or the charity of their choice. it will be short, it will take all your breath it will not be simple, it will become your will - Adrienne Rich NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2005