Susan Lee Clarke, née Henniger, of Ottawa, ON, was surrounded by her loving family when she died peacefully on March 5, 2026
Born and raised in Smiths Falls, ON, to Perry and Ella Henniger, Susan was a June baby who shared the warmth of an early summer day with everyone she met.
Susan was always giving to her friends and family, offering a delicious meal, a warm hug, and sound advice. Her home was always available to anyone needing a loving place to lay their head for a spell.
Bright, full of laughter, and thoughtful conversation, Susan was a graduate of Queen’s University. In addition to being a full-time mom, she also spent time as an elementary school teacher, and a volunteer for Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Her children remember her as the woman who gave them the most solid and loving home any child could ever ask for.
Susan met the love of her, Alen Clarke, at the age of 13, while climbing a neighbour’s tree. At 25 the two married, and set out on a life of adventure. Living across Canada, Germany, India, Israel and Egypt, Sue was a master of creating a warm home and community anywhere she landed. Her sense of adventure never failed, and there was nobody more fun to travel with.
Her accomplishments were of the soft, gentle and beautiful kind. From cooking, to knitting, to needlepoint, to sewing, Susan was always creating and sharing beautiful things. She had a distinct passion for building beauty into her life and the lives of those around her.
When it came to friends and family, she was steadfast, always there, sharing her quiet strength, no matter the task. All this, combined with her ready humour and unwavering kindness, made her the best of role models to her two grandchildren, as well as her many (grand) nieces and nephews, and wide network of friends and family that she loved so dearly.
Susan is survived by Alen, her husband of more than 60 years, her two brother’s Jim Henniger (Isabel, née Pilkington) and Ross Henniger (Gay, née Carroll), her son Perry (Kim, née Carnesale), and Daughter Sarah (Terry Goulah). And of course, her two grandchildren who she loved more dearly than anything, Alexandra Clarke and Jaret Goulah.
There is no place on earth that Susan loved more deeply than her cottage at Chaffeys. The happiest of memories were shared there, where everything she loved came together. Friends, family, laughter, “The Lake”, dinner parties, and lots of gin. She will always be remembered but most especially, she will be remembered there. She will be dearly missed.
A memorial will be held in Susan’s honour, this summer at Chaffey’s. Details will follow.
Digital Guestbook
Gay Henniger
Theda Burns Hersey and Rob Hersey
Our deepest sympathy to all in the loss of a great lady and very dear friend to many. We were among the fortunate to have”dined and rested our heads” with this fine hostess. Much laughter too admiring Sue’s zoo at the cottage. RIP
Del and Don Jazey
We are saddened to hear this tragic news of Sues passing. Over our many years of friendship, Sue always brightened up any room she entered. Hers is a great loss and we truly miss her. But we have many fond memories.
Daniel Jason MacInnes
Thank You for being the most wonderful Aunt Sue. Thank You for your wisdom, charity and abundant kindness to my mother, myself and everyone whose life you touched.
Barbara Carroll
I am so very saddened to hear of the loss of Sue
My sincere and deepest condolences to her family at this sad time.
Sue was our own piece of “sunshine” for the Carroll family, John, Matthew and myself were so lucky to have her in our lives when we were stationed as part of the Canadian contingent in the Middle East for 2yrs
Alen and Sue were endlessly thoughtful, kind and great fun! We travelled together and visited them in Egypt. They swept Matthew into their car and of the three of them went with us following behind!
When we returned to Canada we felt that same warm embrace at Chaffey’s.
Sue was engaging, warm, and full of life; a creator of wonderful and heartfelt memories!
I am deeply saddened.
Sincerely
Barbara Carroll
Patrick Rossiter
So sorry for your loss.
Michael Houghton
Alen, please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time. Wonderful memories remain. Mike
Lynn Farrell
Thank you Uncle Alen, for sharing your wonderful soul mate with all of us who had the opportunity to spend fulfilling time in her presence. Will never forget peeking through the trees as all of the ladies went ______ dipping at Chafey's (I was only 11 so could not 'take part' haha!). Uncle Alen and Aunt Sue came out to visit when our kids were young, on their way to Dad and Elaine's goat farm, and then when our eldest Lorin and I were in Ottawa on a prayer mission with our church, Uncle Alen and Aunt Sue not only took us on a wonderful informational tour of Ottawa, they took us out for a 7 course meal and then our favourite part, sacred visit in their Home on Premier Ave. Aunt Sue, you brought joy, love and 'family' acceptance to us, we love and miss you. Uncle Alen, I wish I could hug you right now and spend as much time as possible hearing your stories and going down memory lane with our shared ones. May God bless and keep you all in His tangible comfort, peace and love. Love you and miss you.
Don McKelvay
Ale, Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. It has been such a long time since we served together and remember Sue as such a wonderful, caring lady. May your memories of her and God's love ease your pain.
Angelique Van Loenen
Remember the good times in the cottage always felt i was a part of the henniger family you will be missed xxx from estonia
Sue was my second "sister". So many years ago when I was first introduced to the Henniger family, Sue took me under her wing. We shared so may good times together from watching the first moon landing while sitting on the floor of her and Alen's new cottage, to helping set up the "cathedral" under the trees nestled between rocks, cottages, her Dad's workshop and their own cottage for Terry and Sarah's beautifil wedding. Sue actually made Sarah's dress. I miss those numerous picnics, action sale adventures and numerous gin and tonic cocktail swim parties but they are all stored in my heart. I must not forget Sue's mastering of her 1234 cake with that fabulous white fluffy icing! I will miss Sue so much but she is truly in my heart and I will think of her everything I look out our bedroom window. Ross will continue to feed the birds for "our" sister. Stay string Alen. We will have lots of hugs when you are ready to see us! Sending our love... Gay