Helena Bernadette 'Berni' Clark, 78
Helena Bernadette “Berni” Clark, 78, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, left our world July 17, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Berni was born Aug. 5, 1945, in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, to Albert and Edna Hegmans.
Berni was raised on a tobacco farm in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. Her mother passed away at an early age and Berni guided her younger brother and sister while helping her father on the farm. Berni graduated from high school in Simcoe, Ontario, and went to work as a legal assistant for a local attorney.
I met Berni in high school and our love was instant and enduring. Michael L. Clark and Helena Bernadette “Berni” Hegmans were married in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 23, 1965. We were married for 59 amazing years.
Our marriage and life together were a wonderful trip, beginning in a remote mining town in Northern British Columbia, Canada, where our daughter, Paige, was born. Over the next 35 years, we lived in several interesting places, ending up in Hayden Lake, Idaho. Our two sons were born along the way: Paul in Butte, Mont., and Jake in Bismarck, N.D.
My beautiful wife, lover, best friend, mother of my children, grandmother and friend to all who knew her was smart, artistic, creative, kind and always had a great smile. Generous and loving to all. She had many hobbies and interests, like the ladies' book club; she loved to read. Knitting club at the Kroc Center, 9 Hole Ladies League at Avondale Golf Club. She loved to paint, crochet and create pottery. Berni had a generous heart, donating crochet hats to the Kroc Center and “Digna Chicks” Kootenai Cancer Center. She loved all things outdoors and family events.
I could say many things about my wonderful wife, but those who knew her have the real story. She did not waste words, and that is what her real friends know. She was sassy and full of energy and is dearly missed.
Preceding her in death was her sister, Pauline Woodey of Lexington, Ky. Berni is survived by her husband, Michael L. Clark, “Mike,” of Hayden Lake, Idaho; sons Paul Clark and Jacob Clark of Hayden, Idaho; daughter Paige and son-in-law Phill Weist of Hayden, Idaho; brother Gary Hegmans and Heidi of Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, sister Christine and Etienne Cremery of Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
Berni’s grandchildren were her heart. Phillip Weist of Seattle, Wash.; Hannah and Parker Scholz of Post Falls, Idaho; Sheridan Clark and Hailey Clark from Hayden, Idaho. Her love for them was amazing.
Berni also had several nieces and nephews. Marni Strobel and family of Owensboro, Ky.; Chelsee Martin and family St. Petersburg, Fla.; Kim Slade and family in Baden, Ontario, Canada; Troy Bint and family in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. Paula Hegmans and the family of Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, and Rhonda Reimer and the family of Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
If you would like to donate in Berni’s memory, please donate to Kootenai Cancer Center. Yates Funeral Home has a tribute wall for condolences.
A celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Atrium Professional Building, 13403 N. Government Way, Hayden. Park on the west side; the event will be on the main floor, in the northwest corner. Please join us.
As Berni always said, “SHINE ON.”
Clark