Shizue Clark

Peacefully and with family by her side, on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the age of 91. Predeceased by her husbands, Minoru Hirahara (d. 1944) and John D. Clark (d. 1994). Loving mother of Michiko (David D.) Small and James H. (Glenda) Clark. Adored by her grandchildren David R. (Mariane) and Duncan C. Small; J. Michio, J. Kenji and W. Tomio Clark, and great-grandchildren David K. and Gabriele M. Small. Born on February 28, 1922, in Hiroshima, Japan, Shizue’s enormous strength and courage allowed her to overcome great tragedy early in her life, first, as a 22 year old mother and widow of a Japanese naval officer killed in action during World War II and later as a witness and survivor of the horrors of the first atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. A decade later, she married Canadian soldier, John D. Clark, stationed in Japan during the Korean War and along with her daughter Michiko, immigrated to Canada before giving birth to son James in 1956. She was both fiercely and equally proud of her Japanese heritage, as she was being a Canadian, preferring to be known by her anglicized name, Suzie, with her friends in her adopted homeland. She will be fondly remembered for her great intelligence and storytelling, tremendous artistic talent, as well as being a gifted dancer and huge sports fan, especially hockey. She had an outstanding sense of humour and touched so many people with her love, generosity and compassion. She was a vibrant and cheerful woman who always brought joy to anyone fortunate enough to have met her, and she will be dearly missed. Her family would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, especially those assigned to Gatineau 2 South, for the outstanding care they provided her during her stay with them. Family will receive friends at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean (between Bayshore & Baseline Rd.) on Wednesday, August 7th between 10:00 am and 11:30 am, followed immediately at 11:30 am by a memorial service to be held in the chapel to celebrate her long and wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County in her memory would be appreciated