Clarine Kelemen

Clarine Kelemen 1954-2017

Clarine Haringsma Kelemen passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at her home in La Mirada while spending time with her family. She was 63. A long time resident of La Mirada, she was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ida Haringsma. She is survived by her husband Michael, children Brian, Kevin and Denise, 4 grandchildren Emily, Amanda, James and Cason, and siblings, Wilma Offinga, Johanne Van Peursem and Pete Haringsma.

Clarine was born and raised in Artesia, California, the daughter of William Haringsma and Ida Vander Kooij, Dutch immigrants. She went through the Valley Christian school system for 12 years. She then worked at Bank of America, a construction company, and Dodge Trucks as a bookkeeper. She met and married the love of her life, Michael Kelemen in 1976. She then had 3 children, Brian Michael in 1979, Kevin William in 1982, and Denise Ilene in 1986. This was the job she always wanted, being a mother and housewife.

Clarine was loved by all. She was involved with church, her childrens school and sports activities as room mom, team mom, and crossing guard and generally volunteered where needed.

She loved the family vacations which included house boating, trips to a Colorado horse ranch and the annual trips to Big Bear. Mike and Clarines life revolved around their children and grandchildren. She saw or spoke to them daily and they were her joy.

Clarines hallmark was her sharp memory. She was famous on both sides of the family for remembering the date and year for every birthday, anniversary, or significant event of everyone she knew. Everyone relied on her to remember those important dates.

Clarines health weakened in the past 5 years due to diabetes and kidney failure but she stayed active to her final breath. She never complained but simply said that her health issues drew her ever closer to God.

Services to celebrate Clarines life will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017. A viewing will be held at White Emerson Funeral Home in Whittier at 8:00am followed by a graveside service at Olive Lawn Memorial Park in La Mirada at 9:00am and concluding with a memorial service at Whittier Area Community Church at 10:30am. A reception will be held following the memorial service at Whittier Area Community Church.