Obituary of Anna Helene Cliplef

CLIPLEF: Anna Cliplef (nee Cleveland) passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at Fairview Personal Care Home on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the age of 87 years. She was born in Minneapolis on August 1st, 1932 where she grew up and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1950 and subsequently attended Minnesota School of Business which she graduated from in 1951. Anna worked as a secretary for a life insurance company and the Department of Bacteriology and Immunology at the University of Minnesota before deciding to take up nursing studies, from which she graduated in 1956 shortly before she married Robert Cliplef on 8th June that same year. Growing up, Anna enjoyed swimming, fishing, and spending time with her family at their cabin in Barronett, Wisconsin. One time Anna caught a big northern pike, and she wanted to mount it--- but her mother thought it more practical to serve it to the family as dinner. Her father passed away when she was still in high school and her role as big sister became magnified. As her mother never drove, Anna had the duty of ensuring everyone got where they needed to go, ranging from anywhere within town to the outer borders of the country and through the Appalachians all the way to the coast. In 1967 Anna, Robert and family moved to Brandon, Manitoba so that Bob could work as a research scientist and Anna as a nurse at Brandon General Hospital. Her career as a nurse was one of meaning; she spent much of her time as a labour and delivery nurse, helping bring children into this world. Anna touched many lives in her career, co-workers and patients alike. The result is a wonderful legacy—past colleagues and patients are always swift to point out how patient, calm, gentle, compassionate, intelligent, and kind Anna was. Anna loved to keep busy and active in our community. She spent time volunteering with Seniors for Seniors, the local hospice society, and as president of the Board of Directors for Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba. In addition to her nursing career and volunteer work, Anna had many hobbies—including sewing. Whether a winter parka, or an elaborate hallowe'en costume, Anna could create nearly anything with her hands and some material. Nifty Needlers is a group with which she spent a substantial amount of time furthering her passion for sewing. Spending the majority of their years together in Brandon, Anna and Bob enjoyed watching their family grow and thrive. Among the many things we will always cherish about Anna is her devotion to her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her heart was an unending fountain of love and helpfulness that permeated the lives of all those she knew—friends, family and otherwise. Anna lived with integrity, generosity, loyalty, honesty, and faith. We will miss her dearly. She is survived by her sister Esther; her children Lloyd (Cindy), Martin (Gwen), David (Sarina), and Jayne (David); her grandchildren Christopher (Lynn), Aaron (Ally), Eric (Angela), Julia (Mike), Anthony (Shaelyn), Thomas, Sophia, Marissa, Ethan, Morgan, and Isla; great-grandchild Robert, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by husband Bob, father Martin, mother Emma, sister Marian, and brother Julian. A Celebration of Anna's Life was held at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, 4 Willowdale Crescent, on Saturday, August 24, 2019 . Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Anna may be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R2J