Clara Mae Poisson Taipalus is walking in heaven with her Father, The Lord Jesus Christ. Her walk began on June 1, 2016 at 10:39 P.M., at Lima Memorial Hospital. Her struggles are now over, and she is at peace.

She is survived by a son, Chris Taipalus, a daughter, Carrie Heck, a sister, Mary Alice Bobbitt, her grandbabies: Allison & Andrew Taipalus and Teya, Kara & Anthony Heck, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband: Jon Taipalus, father: Dona Poisson, mother: Margaret Poisson, brothers: Joe Poisson and Ernie "Sonny" Poisson, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was born March 21, 1943, and raised in Hubbell, Michigan, where she enjoyed Ernie's Gas Station, fishing with her mom, walks with her dad, and the Tamarack River. Other pastimes were spending time at the Lake Linden, Michigan soda shop, movies, friends, family, and ice skating.  

Clara had enjoyed working at the Nursing Home in Hubbell, until she met her husband Jon Taipalus. They moved to Chicago for a few years, and then rested in Alma, Michigan, where they raised two children.

She was an accountant and secretary, did home health care, worked at the State Road Bingo Hall, and was a hall monitor at Alma Middle School, until she retired.  

Clara had a heart of gold, and shared that with everyone, volunteering for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Salvation Army Food Bank, the local Democratic office, and at school with her children.

She instilled in her two children love, kindness, thinking of others, having fun, hard work, family, friends, and living life to the fullest.  

Clara had a great gift of listening to whoever needed someone to talk to. We all have had talks with her about whatever. She helped raise all her children's friends, too (they all know who they are). She loved you all! Clara has inspired a lot of people, and her smile, hugs, kind words, and somewhat patience will be missed. Love You, Mama! XXOO

Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 7, from 10:00-11:00 A.M., at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home In Celina.

Services will begin at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Tim Hollinger, officiating. Services will also be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 10, at the Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home in Alma, with Pastor Brian Wickes officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com or luxfuneralhomes.com.