Clare L. Otnes, loving wife and mother passed away quietly
at Northwest Hospital on October 11, 2008 at the age of 90.
She was born to Denis and Emily Nadeau in Bellingham,
Washington on June 13, 1918.  Clare was a long-time resident
of Ballard.  She met Pete, the love of her life, while they
attended Ballard High.  Pete graduated in 1934 and Clare was
in the class of 1936.  With three d aughters, Clare was
known for her wonderful sewing, smocking, knitting, crochet,
and embroidery.  She was active for many years in a bowling
league at Sunset Bowl.  Much later in life, Clare worked at
Virginia Mason Clinic as a supervisor and at Ballard Swedish
in Admitting.  She was a member of the Sons of Norway and
loved meeting with all her friends at Norna.  Even though
she was of English and French decent, Clare mastered the art
of making Syl Ball …..something her family gathered around
the table to savor.  Clare always traveled with at least two
or three jokes to tell – didn’t matter where
she was going….everyone was going to get a laugh added to
their day if she was around.  Clare and Pete traveled the
world widely , many times on cruisesI.  In later years, they
made quick trips to Reno.   Clare always seemed to come back
with more money than she had when she left. Pete preceded
her in death in 2005 after 67 years of marriage.  She is
survived by daughters Marcia Wold, Sylvia Magnuson (Donald),
and Joan Brock; grand children Jim (Janet), Laura, Marnell,
Erica, Kristin, and Jonathan; great- grandchildren, Tyler
and Torie; and brother, Denis Nadeau.  Clare would like best
to be remembered for all the times she made us laugh…and
she did make us laugh.  A Memorial Service to celebrate her
life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 26 at
Evergreen-Washelli Chapel.  The date, time, and p lace were
specifically chosen as it is exactly three years to the hour
that Pete’s service was held.  The family asks that
donations in her memory be made to Medic One Foundation or
the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.

Published December 24, 2008 in the Ballard News Tribune