Obituary of Kate Clendenning

CLENDENNING: Kate Eva Justina (nee Hughes) 1925-2020 Well known local historian, Kate Hughes Clendenning, passed away peacefully at her home with her family beside her on Sunday, April 19, 2020, two days after her 95th birthday. Born in Kent Bridge to the late Thomas and Eva Hughes, Kate served in Prince Rupert, BC, with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, during World War II. She married Jim Clendenning in 1954 and together they farmed and raised their family on the Eau Road (New Scotland Line). Kate was the beloved wife of the late Jim Clendenning and mother to Martha Clendenning (Dennis Zahorodney), Elizabeth Passmore (Wayne), Mary Genge (Mike) and Jim Clendenning (Julie). She is lovingly remembered by grandchildren Fraser (Olivia) and Erin Genge, and Kate, Maggie, Ann, Jill and Jed Clendenning. She enjoyed the cuddles of great-grandson Theodore Genge. Kate was predeceased by her Hughes family: Helen (Hank) Ayres, John (Bernice) Hughes, Raymond Hughes, James (Marjorie) Hughes, Maxine (Don) Fysh, Arthur (Joanne) Hughes and William Hughes. Sister-in-law to Jack Kerr . Predeceased by Fraser and Ethel Clendenning, Norma and John Rowe, and Mary Jean Clendenning Kerr. Kate was constantly curious about local history and wrote a weekly column in the Blenheim paper for 20 years, “Tracking Back”. Her musical, “Loyal”, was produced in the 1980s. A natural musician, Kate, was the Junior Choir Director at New Scotland United Church for 25 years and wrote much of the music sung by the choir. A private service will be held for Kate on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at McKinlay Funeral Home, Blenheim. A Celebration of Kate’s life will be held at a future date. In memory of Kate, donations can be made to the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent and New Scotland United Church. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, 519-676-3451