CLARK, J. ELISE
It is with sorrow that Elise’s daughters; Antonie and Nadine
announce her passing. Elise was raised in
Tofield Alberta and learned from her parents, Arthur and Edna Torrie the arts of; grace,
compassion, hard work and ingenuity.
Elise was born and educated in Alberta,
and received her R.N. Degree from the University of Alberta in 1951. She married Robert Clark, a career R.C.A.F. Officer
in 1953. During their time stationed overseas, their two daughters were born. While raising a young family she
added a Diploma in Public Health Nursing from U.B.C. in 1965 to her credentials. The family moved to Kelowna
later that same year, where she worked as a Public
Health Nurse until 1970. Elise had a passion for protecting the environment, and for public safety, which drove her
to become very involved in community affairs. Between 1974 and 1993 she was a Councilor
(Alderman/woman/person) for the City of Kelowna.
Just a sample of her achievements included:
Co-founded Women’s Emergency Shelter
Founded first Halfway HouseCo-founded first non-profit Day Care Society
Founded Crime Stoppers ProgramInitiated 911 Emergency Service in C.O.R.D. Initiated on-road Bicycle lane network
Proposed a Woman of the Year Award be added to
Civic Awards, and that it be named after Sarah Donalda Treadgold. She fittingly won that award twenty years
later in 1995. Elise survived her mother and father,
sister Ruth and husband Robert. Surviving family
members include her daughters Antonie Clark of Oliver, BC, Nadine Clark of Kelowna, BC, her brother Bob Torrie of
Ladysmith, B.C., her brother Jim (Ursula) Torrie of Nanaimo, B.C., and her sister Pat Hughes of Millet, AB.
There are also many nieces and nephews
who will miss their Aunt Elise.
A memorial service will take place this coming spring,
Elise’s favorite time of year.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Kelowna United Way, 1456 St. Paul St., Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6.
For more information about Elise’s life
and accomplishments, and to send
condolences to the family, visit
www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
250-860-7077.