In Loving Memory
Irene Alta Clarke Hale
29 July 1933 – 12 December 2014
”Serve, Work, Love”
Irene Alta Clarke, 81, has made her last trip on the River. She passed on 12 December 2014 in Gananoque, Ontario surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her husband, William Hale Jr., four daughters, 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, 2 nieces, and 3 nephews. Sister: Edythe LaNola Tarno Daughters: Terry Lynn Clark, Billie Jo Hale Zsembery, Debbie Ann Ryan, Victoria Ann(Brett)Robinson Grandchildren: Gary Clark, Jr., Linzie Hatton-Wensink, Jessica, Aaron, Kira, Celeste, Luke, Mark, James, Benjamin, Angela, Marina, Seth and Rebekah Zsembery, Mariah and Michaela Robinson. Great-grandchildren: Samantha, Haley, Tyler, Leksi, Sean, Angell Clark, Shyla and Ashlyn Wensink, Zoe, JoDee and Noah Zsembery and Shantel Robinson. Pre-deceased by sister Anna Margaret Standley and son in law Robert Zsembery. Nieces: Jan McQueen, Pam Wojcik, Nephews: Gary Standley, John Standley, Mark Tarno.
Irene was born to John Frederick Clarke and Olive Mae Cooley Clarke in Genesee County, Michigan on July 29, 1933. She grew up in Cherokee, North Carolina, and in Flint, Michigan where she served her Willie a burger in a malt shop. Whether he was first captured by her beauty, twinkling blue eyes, cooking or zest for life- Bill had found his “Little One.” They were married September 22, 1951. They settled in Camillus, NY by winter and the St. Lawrence River in the summer. A loving relationship was formed that ebbed and flowed on the River for 63 years.
She was known as a gracious hostess and an active member of her community. Many a neighbor and guest recall the delicious meals and good conversations shared at her table. She received a service award from Girl Scouts of America for her many years as a leader to the girls, participating in the cookie sales and unit activities, and was a member of the Viking Boat Club. She worked at Teacher’s Fancy in Syracuse and later in customer service at Kmart in Camillus. She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary at the Royal Canadian Legion in Gananoque in later years.
From re-finishing old furniture, knitting, and crocheting exquisite afghans, sewing fashions for her family or gardening-Irene’s fingers had a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, actively living one of her favorite phrases, “waste not, want not.” All of her children and grandchildren recall special clothing or items she made for them throughout the years. Her warmth, kindness, creativity and LOVE will be greatly missed. We were blessed for the years her angel feet were among us.
Memorial services will be at Tompkins Funeral Home on 15 Dec 2014 at 10:30. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 will conduct a memorial tribute. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Irene’s name for a memorial bench to be placed at the Joel Stone Park where she may ever enjoy overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Cheque’s may be made out to: Town of Gananoque (note: Irene Hale's bench) c/o Tompkins Funeral Home 63 Garden St. Gananoque, Ontario Canada K7G 2T8

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