Camilla Hackett

    Camilla Hackett, 93, of Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.
     A funeral service was held Friday, March 2, in the Kinney Lindstrom Center at Opportunity Village with Pastor Rich Murray and Pastor Dean Hess officiating. Interment

was held Monday, March 5, in the Liscomb Cemetery, Liscomb, Iowa. Should friends desire, memorials may be left to Opportunity Village in Camilla’s name.  
     Camilla was born on June 7, 1918 in St. Anthony, Iowa the daughter of Hugh and Minnie Hackett.  She lived on the farm with her parents and attended area schools.  She later moved to the Glenwood State Hospital and School for many years.  Later, Camilla was able to live throughout Iowa and California with her sisters, Hope and Alta until moving to Opportunity Village in September of 1982.  
    Camilla was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. She also attended Wednesday evening Spiritual Life Services at Opportunity Village.  Camilla loved singing hymns, a few of her favorites were, “Jesus Loves Me” and “Shall We Gather at the River.”
     Despite reaching retirement age, Camilla chose to keep working.  She loved being around others, whether it be to cheer them up when they were feeling down, or to rejoice with them over good news.
    She enjoyed relaxing after work by watching her extensive collection of classic Western DVD’s, John Wayne being her favorite actor.  She also enjoyed bowling, getting her hair styled, and having her fingernails painted. 
     Camilla looked forward to celebrating her birthday each year.  On her 90th birthday she joined a group of friends for a limousine ride.  On her 91st birthday Camilla rode on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, her picture even graced the pages of the Globe Gazette!
     At age 89 Camilla was honored to receive Opportunity Village’s Golden Heart Award.  The award recognizes people served by Opportunity Village who demonstrate the qualities of competence, community involvement, courtesy, and courage.
     She was proud to tell anyone that her secret to her youthful vitality was to enjoy a glass of wine every night.  She often asked others, “Do you drink wine?”  If they responded, “No”, she would often ask, “Well, why not!”
     Camilla is survived by Larry and Nancy Flanagan of Grimes, Iowa; her nephews, Jerry Smith, Jim Smith, and Ted (Donna) Gabrielson; her niece, Norma Jean (Dick) Thiel; many grand-nieces and nephews; as well as her many close friends at Opportunity Village.
     She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Hope Hackett and Alta Gabrielson, and her niece, Vicki Smithsona.
    Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.