Mildred Marguerite Downie Clarke

It is with heavy hearts that we, the daughters of Mildred, say our good-byes to our Mom.  She leaves her three daughters Bettie St. Dennis, Louise Potvin, Cindy Clarke; their families; nieces; nephews; cousins and many friends to mourn her passing.  At the age of 104, she had touched the lives of many. She was predeceased by many dear loved ones, family, and friends.

Mom; Grandma, Great and Great Great; Aunt Bill; Mildred, Millie but Billie was what Mom answered to until the latter part of her life. Her Dad wanted a son and he called her Billie.  She was an active, athletic, adventurous, curious girl.  This she carried with her in her entire life.  She began the first 11 years of her life on the Downie farm, known as Elkhorn Stock Ranch.  There she enjoyed the freedom of being with nature, exploring many areas with her horse and sharing space with prized cattle, sheep, and other farm animals.  This love of nature; animals; a curious mind and sense of adventure stayed with her throughout her entire life.

Mom graduated from Normal school in June 1933 and taught in rural schools in the areas around her home area of Carstairs until she married Ellis Clarke in 1942.  They left for northern BC where Dad worked on building the Alaska Highway.  Their first home was a tent and Mom often said it was the happiest time of her life.  They returned to Calgary where their first daughter, Bettie, was born in 1943.  After Dad had a stint in the Army, they returned to the Alaska Highway where they operated a stopping place at Mile 392, The Summit Lake Lodge, from 1946 -1953.  So many stories.  Her love of art, adventure, humour, the ability to just “get it done” helped her through many situations. She taught Bettie correspondence school along with her other duties of cooking; waiting counter; pumping gas; and all the duties of running a business.

In 1953, they left the highway for Calgary where their second daughter Louise was born.  The “call of the north” had them leave Calgary in 1956 and returned to Dawson Creek, BC where their third daughter Cindy was born.  Mom taught school in Dawson Creek, belonged to South Peace Art Society, Bridge Clubs, Gyms (at age 80) socialized with friends and enjoyed fishing, camping, adventures with Dad and friends. At age 78, she got a computer and joined the electronic age. She created many wonderful calendars; cards; family histories; wrote stories; took lessons on writing stories for children.  She loved to learn.  Her beloved husband died in 1967, leaving her with two younger daughters, Louise and Cindy to see to adulthood.  Mom lived in Dawson Creek until 2004 when she moved to Ashcroft, BC to be near her daughter Bettie.

Mom was a kind, loving, fair, gentle lady and “Mom” to so many of all her daughter’s friends.   She always had a quick saying, joke or pearl of wisdom to suit the occasion.  So loved by so many family and friends alike.

While living in Ashcroft, she found a new freedom with her scooter, giving her the mobility she had lost when she no longer had her car.  I can see her scooting down the hill, hat on; scarf flying and a huge smile; to visit me, Bettie, or heading down to the grocery store or meeting friends for coffee.  She always wanted someone to “juice this scooter up so it would go faster”, which we never did!  She taught art at the Adult Day program and shared her writing talents.

Later years found Mom adapting to many new situations with her wonderful sense of humour; adventure; and acceptance of “it is what it is and we must make the best of it” attitude. She moved to Victoria, BC in 2011 to be near her daughter Louise.  In Victoria, she moved into Assisted Living and a year later, into Extended Care. She made friends wherever she was.  While living in Extended Care presented many challenges, she adapted and accepted her new way of life.

My thoughts of our Mom are what a wonderful, talented and gracious lady she was.  We were all so blessed to have her in our lives.  Rest in Peace Dear Mildred Marguerite “Billie” Downie Clarke.  You are so loved by us all and will live in our hearts and memories forever.

“We, those that loved you so, bid you Adieu.”

There will be no Service at this time.  Later, during the summer, Mom will be laid to rest with Dad in the Dawson Creek Cemetery. At that time, we will have a small gathering to pass on our love.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com