Clada L. (Ward) Arsenault

  She was born May 4, 1922, to Ella Mae Sharlette and Edward Ward in Lake Placid, where she spent her formative years, was educated, and met and married the love of her life, Philip Leo Arsenault, on Aug. 4, 1941. The couple eventually settled in Elizabethtown, where they reared their five children: Philip, James, Joel, John and Linda Arsenault.

  Phil and Clada had the foresight to invest in real estate through the years to augment their family’s resources. They developed rental properties in Lake Placid, Elizabethtown and Westport. Their vision and work together was a shared vocation until Phil passed on suddenly March 17, 1983, leaving Clada to assume full responsibility for Phil’s advertising business as well as continuing to develop and manage their properties.

  Clada took on any and all projects with determination and a keen intelligence, including successfully completing redevelopment of a three-story house into a five-unit apartment building. Never one to shy from a project, she made certain each effort was carried out to her high standards. Only a few days before her passing, she asked to take a drive from her home to inspect a new roof. Upon seeing it, she gave instructions as to what still needed to be done.

  Above all, Clada was a true matriarch who cherished family. She inspired in them certain moral codes: Be the best you can be in anything you attempt. In all cases, come away from each situation leaving it better than you found it. She instilled positive self-worth in her children, teaching them to follow the Golden Rule. She had a deep appreciation for the natural world and continued throughout her years to be a lifelong learner.

  An independent woman, Clada Lee Ward Arsenault was the North Star for her family. The legacy of her strength and character was and will continue to be a guide to each of them. Her sticky buns were legendary, as was her ability to keep her children in line. Whenever any of her family left the house they were given these words: “God bless, be careful, and I love you.” She truly meant each and every word.

  She is survived by son Philip (Marilyn), daughter-in-law Norma Arsenault, sons Joel (Lorraine) and John (Kum), daughter Linda Arsenault and dear friend Darlene Tyus. She leaves 11 grandchildren: Randy (Lori) Arsenault, Nancy (Lee) Arsenault, Jody (Jeff) Henning, Michelle (Matt) Arsenault-Balcum, Jonathan Arsenault, C. Elise (Bobby) Arsenault, Ariana Arsenault, Burton (Janel) Noyes, Robyn Noyes, Nathaniel (Haley) Arsenault and Alexandre (Britttnee) Arsenault; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and her beloved Lab, Molly.

  Clada was predeceased by her husband Philip, son James Arsenault, granddaughter Jill Arsenault-Ladieu, grandson Todd Arsenault, brother George Ward and sister Hazel Haig.

  A celebration of Clada’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Church of the Holy Name, 14203 Route 9N, AuSable Forks, NY 12912.

  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who helped care for Clada in her last days. A special thank you to Dr. Rob DeMuro.

  Donations can be made in her memory to High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care, 454 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801, online at https://highpeakshospice.org/donations/; or to the North Country SPCA, P.O. Box 55, 7700 U.S. Route 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932.

  Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, New York, 518-643-9055. To offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture or share a photo in memory of Clada Arsenault, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com.