Clarissa "Corky" Fleming
April 24, 1921 - February 9, 2012
Obituary
Clarissa Fleming
Clarissa affectionatly known as “Corky” to many friends and family passed away Feb, 2012. She was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota April 24. 1921 to Martin and Clara Haugen. She had a great appetite for learning and at the age of 57 returned to school to obtain a GED at Seattle Central Community College. She loved to read, dance, listen to opera and paint. She served as a docent for the Seattle Art Museum for a time. She worked as a Rosie the Riveter during WWII, but her top priority was always to care for the needs of her husband and children.
Clarissa was preceded in death by her husband Woodrow Fleming Sr. of 43 years and son Woodrow Fleming Jr. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Ann Michael,Paulette Joy McGee, Linda Sue Fleming and son Lynn Robert Fleming,and brother Carl Haugen of Minnesota. Clarissa has (10) Grandchildren, (24) Great Grand children and (5) Great Great Grandchildren.
Dear Patty, Poloy, and family,
We are so sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. I have many fond memories of her, and Donnie and I will always remember her with that fondness. Sorry we missed the service, but we didn’t know in time.
Barbara and Don Bader
My Aunt Corky was an amazing woman. Beautiful, smart, artistic, independent and a mother to 5 terrific kids.
She was a fine example of a woman who shattered the stereotype of the 1950’s housewife by learning how to stand on her own two feet. And she did it with grace and dignity.
I am honored to be her niece.
I never had the chance to meet Aunt Corky, I know that Dad always spoke fondly of her. I am thankful to have these web sites to read what others have to say. I believe that I will meet her some day. Glory to God!
My beautiful, precious Gramma, (her spelling.) I am glad you have “gone home”, and are at peace, but selfishly for me, I wish you were here telling me how much you loved me. Telling your family how much you loved them came so easy for you. Not everyone has that gift. I will always feel honored that I was a member of that family. You taught me a love of music, art, Italy….so much. I could make this into a book, all the reasons why I adored you. I will just say, I miss you, I love you and you will forever be with me in my heart. XXOO
My heartfelt thanks to you Mom for giving me birth, for your unconditional love, for what you taught me to appreciate ~ art, classical music, opera, the love of learning, independence and so much more. I pray that the Heavenly Father will keep your soul in his tender, loving care. I love you and miss you so much. Patty xo
I just received a beautiful bouquet of white flowers with some greens from Aegis in remembrance of you, mom.
The bouquet is like a beautiful piece of art and so exquisite — it is so you. One of the people at Aegis told me her experience of you was that you were so gracious. I saw many times how gracious you were to the people around you. I also saw your vulnerability at times and also how you could “push back” when necessary if you weren’t being treated right. Your strength as you went through hopsitals, rehabs, etc., was extraordinary. And, the love you had for your family became so apparent. You were open at times about being tired and being happy to go when the time came, but you wanted to be sure everything was taken care of so your kids would not be troubled and you wanted to be sure everything was “ok” with them before you left. I believe you left knowing how much we all loved you. Thanks so much for everything you did and were for me. With much love and a great deal of respect for the woman and human being I call my mother, I wish you Godspeed home. I’d like to think your wish came true and you are sitting “up there” with Ruthie and Van having a good time and watching over all of us. Love, Linda