Reta Evelyn Clarke

Reta was predeceased by her husband Harry Clarke on July 13, 2025. Reta was the eldest child of the late Raymond and Hazel Wright and was predeceased by her brother Laurie (Reta) Wright, her sister Stella (Arthur) Edmonds, her niece Gloria Stewart (nee Wright) and by her niece Christine Edmonds.

Reta loved growing up on the family farm in Nova Scotia and she often spoke of how none of the cats were allowed inside the house because they were barn cats meant for micing. Reta and Harry also had cats most of their married lives, but they had indoor cats and often chose rescues with big personalities. A favourite story was of their cat Minz who needed her own chair brought when camping or she would claim Harry or Reta’s chair.

Reta trained in Nova Scotia as a teacher at Normal College in 1951, and her first placement was in Elmsdale, NS teaching grades 1 to 4. She then taught one year in Upper Stewiacke, having to walk over 2 miles each way to school. In 1954 Reta went West to teach Primary School in Vermillion, AB for 2 years. Then in 1956 Reta moved to Vernon, B.C. and taught primary school for 5 years in Beairsto Elementary and then over 20 years in West Vernon Elementary until she retired in 1987. Many of her students wrote beautiful notes telling how much they loved her. One letter said, “Mrs. Clarke, you have dazzling eyes. Your hair is permanently curly and I think you are just about the shortest and sweetest teacher I ever had.”

It was in Vermillion, AB that Reta Wright met Harry Clarke at a dance social. They fell for each other right away, and were soon inseparable. Chasing the warmth, they moved further West and were married on October 16, 1956 in Vernon, British Columbia. They made the North Okanagan their home for the rest of their days, but Reta never forgot that she was an Eastern girl, always calling Nova Scotia ‘down home.’

Reta developed an early love for travel. Apart from moving Westward, one of her first trips was on a Greyhound bus from Edmonton to Vancouver with 3 friends. Reta’s love for travel was equaled in Harry, and together they reached Diamond status with the Wells Gray touring company. They saw Polar bears in Churchill Manitoba, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, they rode camels in Morocco, saw the icebergs in Alaska, and swam in many warm water beaches around the world, to name just a few. Reta loved recapturing their travels by writing poems. She also loved writing down some ‘down home’ memories such as: “I didn’t like warm milk right from the cows that was so good for us!”

Reta & Harry traveled ‘down home’ every summer to visit Reta’s family. For many years they had their own cottage on Mill Lake where they would stay for at least a month. They loved this time, immersing themselves in the music that Reta had enjoyed while growing up. Reta was an avid musician, playing the guitar, piano and violin – or fiddle, as well as having a lovely soprano voice. Time with her family back east meant the instruments were coming out and great fun was being had.

Reta was a member of the Trinity United Church Choir in Vernon for many years. She also loved to dance, doing both square and step dancing when growing up. Reta and Harry were long time members of the Halina Pattern Dancers, performing often around the area. Additionally they were involved with the Old Time Dances at the Enderby Drill Hall, with Reta making many plates of sandwiches for the hungry dancers. Because of her musical versatility you never knew if she’d be dancing, or playing an instrument – often the piano. As well, Reta served at the Halina Centre pancake breakfast once a month. Music was so inside of her, you would often hear her humming away as she served people, or cleared tables – always with a smile.

Reta’s sweetness, mentioned by her student, was a life long attribute noticed by many. The residents and staff in the two care homes where she lived later in life – Coldstream Meadows and Creekside Landing, often commented on it. One lady recently told Reta, “I think you’re about the kindest person I’ve ever known.”

Reta had a resilience and humour that continued throughout her life. On their last wedding anniversary – number 68 – with a twinkle in her eye, Reta said, “I don’t know how I made it.” Then later she laughed and said, “I won most of the fights, right?” It was this humour that kept her going through both the good and the bad.

Reta was a thoughtful, kind, generous person who was always on the move. Having to sit still in these last years of lessened mobility was a challenge, but like everything else, she faced it with grace. Reta is remembered by many nieces and nephews as a favourite aunt and her passing leaves a big hole. She will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbours.

A big thank you to the staff at Creekside Landing who gave such wonderful care to Reta, especially in her last few days.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.