News Online: Family, friends gather to remember youth worker killed in Camrose

Published online at CTVEdmonton.ca on May 18, 2012.


Linda Hoang, CTV Edmonton: Friday, May 18, 2012

Family, friends gather to remember youth worker killed in Camrose

More than 300 people filled a community hall in Killam Friday to remember the youth worker who died in a Camrose group home last weekend.

Dianne McClements, 61, was found dead at the Marler Supported Independent Living facility in Camrose on May 12.

A 17-year-old male, who was a resident of the facility, was charged with murder in relation to McClements’ death.

At her funeral Friday, McClements’ friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the woman they described as passionate for children.

McClements’ three-year-old niece gave the eulogy at the funeral, calling her aunt “an amazing, beautiful person, whose time here was too short.”

Many laughed as they heard details about McClements’ time growing up in Killam, Lougheed, Hardisty, Lloydminster, and Camrose.

“Dianne’s life was full,” said one niece. “It was feisty and fun.”

“Dianne’s true passion was children, especially children of need,” added another.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is investigating McClements’ death.

The teen charged remains in custody.

He will make his first court appearance in Camrose youth court on Thursday, June 7.

This is the second time in just over a year that a female assisted care worker has been killed in the community of Camrose.

Valerie Wolski, 41, was strangled by a man in her care while working with the Canadian Mental Health Association in February, 2011.

Terrence Saddleback, 26, was charged with manslaughter in Wolski’s death but later found unfit to stand trial.

With files from David Ewasuk

Click here to read the article on the CTV Edmonton website.

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