August 13, 1939 - February 4, 2021
1939 ~ 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mrs. Louise Margaret Clarkin, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the age of 81 years. Mom courageously battled breast cancer and its complications for eight years. Her immense strength and determination, to continue on, were an inspiration to us all. Louise was born on August 13, 1939 in St. Patrick's, Prince Edward Island; where she grew up on the family farm with her seven siblings. Louise grew up with a love for animals and enjoyed many friends at their home. At the age of seventeen, Louise met a handsome young Airman named John 'Jack' at a dance, and fell in love. They were married in 1960, and grew their family of five children, on the beautiful Island. Mom became a strong parent, often home alone, to raise us while Dad was overseas. The RCAF brought the family out west in 1969; first to the Cold Lake Air Force Base and then to Red Deer, when Dad retired in 1977. Mom went to work once we were all in school. She was very efficient in her work at The Mess Hall on the Base, and in Red Deer at the Michener Centre. She often shared stories of her work with us, of her fun times with colleagues and clients. Many lifelong friends were made along the way. Mom was a very dedicated parent and was always there to cheer us on in sports, school and with our lives. Mom was an amazing cook and found joy in feeding all of us, and any other friends we would bring home. Her down east nature had her caring for many other stragglers, or strangers, throughout her life. She had a heart and home open to all. Once having eaten Mom's food, you were convinced of her gifts in the kitchen. Her homemade bread, pies and cookies were inhaled by the boys in the family. A favorite memory is Mom cooking fried potatoes for all the kids at the campground. Mom's homemade gravy was legendary, and would be a big hit, if she would have put it up for sale. Mom continually taught us to cook through verbal instructions, while in the kitchen. We are all blessed to have inherited a part of her cooking skills. Mom made our home one of comfort, good food and she always welcomed all who entered. Mom always put us first - and her needs last. The true meaning of the word MOTHER. Our mother was a hit at all of our camping adventures and always fed us like it was our last meal. She could whip up a delicious meal from few ingredients, and was always serving us a treat of some sort. She truly showed her love for all of us through food. Mom and Dad's passion for camping and adventure was instilled in many of us. Mom and Dad enjoyed over forty years of camping; with Vancouver Island holding a very special place in their hearts. They made wonderful lifelong friends on the shores of Lantzville, British Columbia. Mom loved people, and enjoyed meeting new people, and feeding them. Her passion was looking after her family, cooking, crocheting and Bingo. Her many Bingo friends will miss her laughter in the Hall and her zest for life. We will miss so much about our Mother, her laughter, her ability to keep track of and care for us all, her sense of humour and her mischievous side. Mom was a true friend to us all; besides being the best mother anyone could ask for. Mom will be deeply missed by us all. We were truly blessed to have her for as long as we did. Rest well Mom. We love you so much. Louise will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband of sixty-one years, Jack Clarkin; her five children, Darlene (Ron) Brouwer, Gary (Iris) Clarkin, Nancy Clarkin (Don Pickering), Dennis (Cathy) Clarkin, and Susan (Darren) Thompson; her ten grandchildren and her five great grandchildren. Louise will also be sadly missed and dearly loved by her siblings, Melvin (Anita) Doiron, Vivian (John) Gauthier and Dennis (Kathy) Doiron; as well as numerous family members and dear friends. Louise was predeceased by her mother, Rose, her father, John Thomas, a sister, Marie and her brothers, Ivan, Victor and Lawrence. The family would like to thank the nurses at Red Deer Home Care, for their care and concern for Mom. A special thank you to Vivian for arranging Mom's care; and to Anne, who Mom enjoyed on their daily visits. A warm thank you to Marlee McKenzie for her expertise, comfort and care of our dear Mom, in her final weeks of life. A Private Funeral Service will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Red Deer, Alberta. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Louise's family would ask that you share a laugh and a kind act with someone, in her honor. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium