Mary Clarke's Obituary
Mrs. Mary R. Clarke, long-time resident of Rehoboth, DE., passed away on Monday, July 7, 2008 at Beebe Hospital in the presence of family and friends.
Mary was born on August 25, 1924 in Philadelphia, daughter of John A. and Susan (Corrigan) Robb. She attended St. Martin of Tours grade school in Philadelphia and began high school at Little Flower. When she was sixteen years old, Mary's family moved to Baltimore, MD. where Mary graduated from Seton High School. Mary earned her bachelor's degree from Loyola College in Baltimore and her master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. Mary began her career, teaching languages in the Baltimore Public Schools. A Fulbright Scholar, she continued her studies at The Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Geneva, Switzerland. She was eventually appointed language department director for Baltimore Public Schools.
Mary was wed to William T. Clarke, Jr. on April 11,1973. Mary soon retired and she and Bill moved to Rehoboth Beach, DE in 1976. Both Mary and Bill truly enjoyed life in the beach community. Mary was active at St. Edmond's Catholic Church on the Parish Council, the Sodality, the Bereavement Committee and as a lector. She also contributed her time to the community through Meals on Wheels, as a docent for the Art League, and as community fund collector for various charities.
Mary and Bill visited each continent at least once, traveling extensively until Bill developed Alzheimer's disease in the mid 1990s.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, her sisters, Cecilia Fichter, Clare McCormick and Sister Anne Robb, and, her brother John A. Robb III. She is survived by nephew John Fichter and wife Susan of Gaithersburg, MD., niece Carol Fichter of Rehoboth Beach DE., niece Deborah VanderHelm and husband Gordon of Alexandria, MN., nine grand nieces and nephews and 2 great-grand nephews.
The family deeply appreciates the care given to Mary by Drs. Birch, Sunnergren, Rosa and Batra, and, the staff of Beebe Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday July 10, 2008 at St. Edmond's Catholic Church, King Charles and Laurel Streets, Rehoboth Beach , DE. where friends may call one hour prior to services in the church. Burial will be private at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Please omit flowers. Donations be made in the memory of Mary R. Clarke to Covenant House New York, 460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036, or to The Daughters of Charity, St. Joseph's Provincial House, 333 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD., 21727 or to the charity of your choice.
May Songs of the Angels Welcome You
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Enterprises, Inc. Lewes, DE
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