Joan F. Clarke, 88
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Joan F. Clarke, 88, of Brewster, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at Sweet Brook Care Centers after a prolonged illness. She was the mother of Annie Gerrity of Williamstown.
Born to the Potter family in New York, Mrs. Clarke had resided on Long Island, N.Y., and then, for 33 years, on Cape Cod, where "she found her bliss."
Her family said her upbeat energy filled her home and that she was a phenomenal mother and a devoted, loving wife. She was happiest swimming in Sheep Pond, gardening, birding and being with her family. She was an accomplished fiber artist and loved singing, ("Really, the amazing soprano coming from the kitchen was her, not the radio.").
All three of her children are artists and Mrs. Clarke encouraged their creativity and supported their first forays into the arts by allowing them to host haunted houses, puppet shows, and make and sell tie-dyed T-shirts from the living room of their suburban Long Island home. She welcomed people facing difficult circumstances into her home and her heart. She overcame a very difficult mother to become an incredible one. When she sang "You Are My Sunshine," the recipient felt like the most valuable person in her life. A gem has left this world; her positive spirit made an indelible mark on her family.
Her husband of 63 years, John J. "Jack" Clarke Jr., died Aug. 3, 2010.
Besides her daughter Annie and son-in-law, Michael Gerrity, she leaves two sons, John Clarke and wife, Anne Fox, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Timothy Clarke and wife, Sheyda Ardalan, of Ridgefield, Conn.; her brother, Frank Potter; her adoring grandchildren, Molly, Bijhan, Colleen, Ariane, Erin and Cody, and numerous nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Burial for Mrs. Clarke will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472, may they find a cure, or through Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Funeral Home, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.
Mrs. Clarke's family is deeply grateful to the superb, compassionate staff at Sweet Brook.