Somerset is mourning its daughter who died at 99 years old on September 5, 2020. Camilla Helen was born on October 30, 1920, to Katheryn and Amable Parent in Somerset, WI where she lived with her siblings Eileen, Marcella, Clarence, Viola, Wallace, LaVerne and Harris. During her 99 years in the town she farmed, taught school, married, prayed, milked cows, cooked, cared for 8 babies, scrubbed, prayed some more, developed friendships, volunteered, and formed the glue that continues to stick her family together. She suffered the loss of two sons, a husband, siblings, lifelong friends…and still, she trudged on. All the while proud to call Somerset home.
She knew the very essence of Somerset. She would go barreling down the roads—usually late for church—in her large Buick while frantically combing through her thick hair as she glanced in the rear-view mirror. She trusted that the roads would take her where she wanted to go. She knew these country roads; ones she had traversed hundreds, maybe even thousands of times, so she barely needed to watch where she was going. These Somerset roads took her to church, to friends’ and families’ houses, to pick up her kids, to school, meetings, and later to the senior center. She knew these roads and all of the people who lived along the way.
Thousands of people owe their good penmanship to Camilla. She began teaching in a one room schoolhouse in 1939 before marrying Wesley Langness in 1943 and setting off together for a short adventure in California. They returned home after their first baby was born and continued to build their beautiful family by having 7 more children. In 1972 Camilla began teaching second graders full-time at St. Anne’s School. She couldn’t go anywhere without her knowing the waitress or every single person in the restaurant who would remind her about a child or grandchild she had taught. They didn’t need to remind her though because even toward the very end of her life, she never forgot anyone’s name.
Her legacy is her large, loving family. Camilla’s Clan. If someone needs support or a laugh or just wants to have a party, they come in droves. That’s the way her clan works because Camilla has taught all of us that we show up for each other. We are a big clan—6 surviving children, 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Holiday gatherings have to be hosted at Bristol Ridge Golf Course—there were too many us to house after a while—where children of all ages crash around while the football game blares and libations and laughter are in abundance. Camilla’s Clan. (We even had T-shirts made with the name).
Camilla loved family, gambling, God, Packers, good handwriting, crossword puzzles, friends at the senior center, and game shows—but not necessarily in that order. She was only the third inductee into the Somerset Hall of Fame where she was included for her decades of community service. Her faith ran deep and she was an active parishioner at St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
After she retired from St. Anne’s School, she became the treasurer of the Senior Center where she would have lunch and play cards every day with her many friends. It was all of these connections that kept her sharp and kept her moving forward.
She loved the people of Somerset; the culture that allowed her to raise these fine children; the school, church and graveyard that held her faith and most precious gifts. Somerset, in turn, loved her and protected her and her family and for that, we are so thankful.
Camilla is survived by children Pamela of Carlsbad, CA, Carey (Stephen Jones) of Lemon Grove, CA, Tim (Babette Bell) of Mahtomedi, MN, Terry (Joan Gilbertson) of Bloomington, MN, Tyron (Dana Martell) of Somerset, and Tami (John Hagen) of Stacy, MN, sister LaVerne Mealey, and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM on Friday September 11, 2020 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to Mass at the church. Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing when possible. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Anne’s School, 140 Church Hill Road, Somerset, WI 54025.