Support Services Award pays tribute to late HPHA staff member Claire Trachsel

Claire Trachsel’s sisters and niece accepted an award on her behalf at the Tuer-Hodes Award ceremony earlier this week. From left: Daniel Moutte, director of health information and IT; Peter Hodes; Donnalene Tuer-Hodes; Lianne Bernier, sister; Val Pethick, sister; Barb King, sister; Dana King, niece; and Ruixu Wang, director of finance and decision support.

Claire Trachsel, a long-time and well-respected member of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA), was posthumously awarded the Support Services Impact Award on May 16 for her exceptional behind-the-scenes contributions to patient care.

Trachsel worked as a registration clerk in patient registration and was known as an exceptional team member whose recent passing is deeply felt across the HPHA community.

In a press release issued earlier this month, Trachsel was described as someone who consistently went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome and cared for. She was a reliable presence across departments, frequently stepping in to support the switchboard, emergency department registration, bed allocation and central registration.

A valued mentor at HPHA, Trachsel was known for offering new staff kindness, patience and expert guidance.

“Her approachable nature and willingness to help fostered a positive, team-oriented culture. She boosted morale by organizing team-building events, sharing motivational quotes and using her signature humour to uplift those around her,” the press release stated.

Trachsel’s three sisters — Barb King, Lianne Bernier and Val Pethick — along with her niece Dana King, attended the presentation ceremony on May 16 to accept the award on her behalf.

Reflecting on what Trachsel meant to their family, her sisters remembered her as the strong-willed middle child who served as a rock for the family and truly loved her job.

“She was a people person. One hundred per cent,” said King. “She always had a strong, strong personality. She was our rock.”

According to her family, Trachsel was an avid thrifter who loved taking long drives.

“She found the neatest places to go for a drive — little country stores that you’d normally drive past without thinking. She’d stop, and she always found great treasures on the side of the road,” said King.

King also spoke of her aunt’s determination and support.

“She would always push you to go further and do better. You couldn’t say no... she wouldn’t let you quit.”

The sisters said Trachsel was known not just for her care within the family, but also for her deep commitment to her community.

“She was always the first to get up and run [to help], even with her bad knees,” said Bernier. “She would always help — and then panic later.”

Trachsel’s dedication extended well beyond her role at HPHA. She volunteered with Crime Stoppers, Special Olympics and Bras for a Cause, and organized slo-pitch leagues and tournaments.

She also donated her time umpiring and bartending at charity fundraisers, assisting with bingo nights, parades and hospital holiday celebrations, and contributing door prizes for various community events.

Trachsel regularly volunteered to drive community members to appointments and was known for coordinating elaborate Halloween displays that brought joy to entire neighbourhoods.

Whether dressing as Mrs. Claus to spread holiday cheer or helping families in need, Trachsel made a lasting impact throughout her community.

In addition to her many volunteer roles, Trachsel was also a full-time caregiver for her partner, balancing her personal and professional responsibilities with generosity, resilience and heart.

Her mentorship, compassion, and countless contributions behind the scenes made her an inspiring team member and a lasting example of HPHA's best.