Clarke, Bernice

BERNICE RITA CLARKE
Bernice Rita Clarke passed away in Thunder Bay on April 5, 2012. Bernice was the daughter of Tom and Anna Mae Fenlon (Lynch) and was born on September 3, 1923 in Port Arthur, the second of nine children. She grew up in the family home on Hebert Street. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Lakehead University. Bernice married Bill Clarke in 1947 and moved to Sioux Lookout where she raised her family. She worked with her husband Bill at Clarke Hotel in the family business. In 1976 Bernice and Bill relocated to Thunder Bay where Bernice was employed with the Ontario Land Registry Office. Bernice enjoyed time with her family and had a strong faith. She was an adherent of Sacred Heart Church in Sioux Lookout and St. Andrews R.C. Church in Thunder Bay and was a lifetime member of the CWL. The Clarke house was often filled with her children’s friends especially during the teenage years and she enjoyed their company. Predeceased by her husband Bill, granddaughters Brie Gibson and Allison and Jill Cameron, son- in- law Ernie Carlson, daughter- in- law Sandi Clarke, sister Ella Mae Kelly and brothers Tom, Bill and Frank Fenlon, she is survived by her children Joanne (Cal) Cameron, Mooresville, N. Carolina, Susan (Gord) Malcolm, Burnaby BC, Lynda Gibson, Thunder Bay, Bill Clarke (Carol) Kamloops, BC, Tom Clarke (Cathy) Thunder Bay, Colleen Clarke, Mankato, Minnesota, Marianne Clarke, Winnipeg, MB. She has 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. As well she is survived by her brothers Bob Fenlon (Gloria), Chatham, Ont., Bert Fenlon (Annette) Thunder Bay sisters Doreen Culp, San Ramon, CA, Rosemary Bentz, Barrie, ON and numerous nieces and nephews. Bernice spent her final years at P.R. Cooke Apartments and appreciated the loving attention of the care givers there. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon in St. Andrew’s R.C. Church, celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Interment to follow at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm. Should friends desire, memorial donations to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chron’s & Colitis Foundation would be appreciated.