Helen (Wilson) (Atkinson) Klemke

Helen (Wilson) (Atkinson) Klemke of Blyth, and formerly of Centralia, passed away at Huronview Home for the Aged, Clinton, on Monday, July 24, 2017. She was 93. 

Helen was the beloved wife of the late Ralph Atkinson (1950), and the late Paul Klemke (1994) and dear mother of Joan and Stephen Caldwell and Jean Pizzati, all of Blyth.  She was the dear grandmother of Eric and fiancée Haylee Searle and boys Mason and Bentley, Bayfield; Ben and Natasha Caldwell, Simcoe; Josiah and Kelsey Pizzati and expected great-grandchild, Seaforth; Joel Pizzati (Manpreet), London; Jonathan Pizzati (Summer), Seaforth; Joseph Pizzati (Jennifer) and Joy Pizzati, both of Blyth. Helen was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Bertha Wilson and her brother William S. Wilson (1991).

Helen was born and raised on her family’s farm near Elimville. She worked at many different jobs all her life, including at McCormick’s in London, cleaning homes, and at the army base in Huron Park, where she met her husband Paul. 

They were married Dec. 28, 1953. Helen also worked for many years alongside  her father Joe managing a Supertest gas station just south of Exeter (Spruce Grove). 

Later in life, after Paul’s passing, she moved to Lucan in 1998 and later to Blyth to be closer to family. Many remember her for her love of baking. Helen’s true joy was serving others and her faith in God. She enjoyed hosting Bible studies in her small apartment in Blyth.  After suffering a stroke in 2012, Helen moved to nursing homes in Lucknow, Bluewater and most recently Huronview where she lived until her passing.

Helen enjoyed her family and will be remembered dearly by them all for the love of God that she has instilled in each of them. She looked forward to the day that she would meet her Lord and Saviour. 

The funeral service and visitation was held Thursday, July 27 at the Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter. Interment was at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.

Donations to Huronview Home for the Aged, or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family. 

Condolences may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com