Lillian ‘Louise’ Clement
Lillian ‘Louise’ Clement (née Wray), 84, of Atikokan, passed away September 28, 2014.
Louise was born in Swan River, Manitoba March 10, 1930. She was the middle child, often lamenting that she “had 6 brothers and NO sisters”. Louise attended grades one through 12 at Duncan School in Swan River. Her first job was at Woodward’s Bakery and Coffee Shop where she worked after school and on Saturdays.
Louise was a very ambitious and accomplished woman. In October 1954 Louise and her girlfriend Ariel Finley embarked on a great adventure and moved to Atikokan to seek employment. The train ride was a real eye-opener; they saw men with large packs, carrying axes and wearing knives on their belts. They felt they were entering the Wild West.
In the summer of 1955 Louise and her new girlfriend Marie Lloyd hitchhiked to French Lake and were picnicking. At that time Marie introduced her to Max Clement so she could borrow his canoe. When she tipped the canoe she impressed Dad by grabbing the rope and swimming to shore with the canoe in tow. The rest is history… they were married in Fort Frances on January 7, 1956.
Louise’s first job in Atikokan was at Chapple’s as an office clerk responsible for accounts receivables. In 1963, she began helping Dad at the Husky Service Station as a gas jockey and a bookkeeper. In 1966 Louise started part-time at the Post Office as a clerk. She soon had a full time position and her postal career concluded 20 years later as Post Mistress in Rainy River. In between strikes, she tree planted with women who would become lifelong friends.
In 1986 Louise began her new career with Canada Customs, working a six-month contract at the Atikokan Airport for two summers. She was transferred to Fort Frances where she became a full-time officer. She retired from Customs in 1990 and put an end to her highway commuting.
Retirement seemed to bore her so she accepted a job at Ontario Hydro Generating Station as a security guard. Due to her age… Louise often felt like a mother hen to the other employees. Three years later, she joined Dad in retirement. Louise then dedicated her energy to crafts, painting, travelling with family or the SOS group, but mostly enjoying her eight beautiful grandchildren.
Louise and Max provided a lifelong gift for their family with the creation of their beloved Factor Lake cabin. The camp has become a central hub for their family and many happy memories have been made there.
Louise was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch 145 for over 50 years.
Louise is survived by her husband of 58 years Maxwell Clement, sons Wray (Marylynn), Albert (Karen) and daughters Susan (Wes Werbowy) and Kristina (David Fulton), grandchildren Brent (Sarah) Clement, Sarah (Derrick) Leduchowski, Ashley, Alexandra and Adam Clement, Katrina, Gregory and Maxwell Fulton. Louise is also survived by her beloved brothers Ab and Don Wray, her special nieces Margie, Cathy and Abby. Also left to mourn are her treasured friends Heather McLeod and Annabell Golding, as well as many more friends and extended family.
Louise was pre-deceased by her parents, John Samuel Wray and Lillian Maude (née Brinkman); brothers Jack, Dave, Robert, and Wally; in-laws Albert and Estha Clement; her best friend and sister-in-law Bernice ‘Bunny’ Wray; as well as many extended family members.
Louise’s last journey will be The Portage in Atikokan, Factor Lake and finally her beloved hometown of Swan River, where she longed to return. A celebration of Louise’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 145 in Atikokan, at 1 pm on Friday, October 10, 2014.
Memorial donations can be made to Atikokan General Hospital or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145.
Have a safe journey Mom, forever in our hearts.
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