Hazel Grace Clarke
It is with sorrow that the family of Hazel Grace Clarke announce her passing in the early morning of November 3rd, 2020 at the age of 99.
She was born Hazel Grace Brisson to Toussaint Brisson and Mabel Brisson on July 20th, 1921.
Hazel lost her one and only, William Henry Clarke (Bill) in 1972.
It was a very difficult time in her life.
Left behind to mourn her loss and celebrate her life are her children, Frank Clarke (Susan), Valerie Ives (Darryl), and Anita Ames (Bob). She was an exceptional grandmother to her grandchildren, Sherri Clarke (Ryan), Bill Ives (Dawn), Chrysta McCallum (Charlie), Donnie Ames (Kathryn), and Jennifer Ames. She also had three great grandchildren, Tyson, Grayden and MacKenzie. She also had numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom kept in contact with Auntie Hazel until she was unable to respond to their calls and letters. She was very appreciative of the attention they gave her.
She was predeceased by her half siblings, Lloyd Brisson, Earl Brisson, Alma Clausen, Frank James, and her siblings, Don Brisson, Marvin Brisson, Bob Brisson, Baden Brisson, Marion McLean, and Roy Brisson.
Hazel and Bill married on September 11th, 1944 during a 2 week leave he had from the war.
On his return, they lived in a small house (they called “the shack”) on Whyte Avenue for a few years and moved to the family home on St. Charles Street.
Her life was a happy one for the most part with the exception of her having to deal with children that kept their house under quarantine during the polio epidemic and also during a bout of scarlet fever.
Her youngest daughter was struck by a car when she was a baby and may have caused her to have a substantial hearing loss. Other than that, the family was happy and we all have had a wonderful life thanks to Mom and Dad.
Her work career started out at St. Regis Bag Factory in the 50’s and ended sometime in the 60’s. She remained a stay at home Mom until Bill died in 1972. At that time, she went to work for Clarke’s TV and Repair Shop as a salesperson and clerk. She stayed on there until she retired in 1986. Our family is grateful to our Uncle Walter for hiring his sister-in-law in her time of dealing with the loss of her husband.
Hazel has outlived all her family and friends. During the early years Hazel and Bill would go dancing, bowling, and partying. Later on, Hazel had a few friends with whom she would go on long walks. She would walk and talk with her best friend, Grace Schmidt for hours and as soon as they both got home, one would call the other and they would talk for hours more. When Grace died, Hazel lost her last friend and confidant.
She will be missed.
If friends so desire, donations can be made in her name to Princess Court, 95-97 Princess St, Dryden, ON P8N 3B4
