Elizabeth Ann Clarke

Elizabeth, "Betsy" Clarke in her own words: "Much of my life seems to have been centered on schools or hospitals. After Mt. Holyoke, I earned a masters degree at Columbia Teachers College and did some work in college student personnel in Iowa and Colorado. Then, back I went to school at the Yale University School of Nursing for a Masters in Nursing. Since then, I've taught nursing at the Universities of Maine and Massachusetts, Amherst; been a head nurse at Yale New Haven Hosp.; and done some administrative work in a joint appointment as Assist. Director/Assoc. Prof. of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, for five years before having to retire for a disability. And it's been good.

The questionnaire suggested a comment on "problems" and multiple sclerosis, which I've had for 25+ years can be so categorized here. It has certainly impacted my life (cut off my professional career, affected how I can relate to others, is a determining factor in where and how I live, etc.) but everyone makes those accommodations so one lives with it and tries not to let it be too great a problem for others.

Family has always been important as well as have friends. They've had a strong influence on my life and it's humbling and rewarding to think that I've impacted theirs in some way. Helping others (patients, students, family or friends) achieve goals or make decisions gives much satisfaction.

Throughout my life music, especially choral church music, has gone with me having been influenced greatly by our beloved Ruth Douglass, Mt. Holyoke college and Glee Club - and the singing we did everywhere on campus.

Basic in all of this is my firm faith and conviction that God and my Christian beliefs are always there to be counted on and to give me guidance."

Betsy Clarke was the daughter of Robert W. and Elspeth McConochie Clarke. She is survived by her sister-in-law Carol, niece Patty (David) Erickson, nephews Phil Clarke and Peter (Jane) Clarke, two great nieces, three great nephews, one great, great niece as well as numerous cousins and her long time companion, Jean Hopkins.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to : Life Together International, 292 Old Queen Anne Road, Chatham, MA 02633.

Memorial service to be held at Pleasant Bay Nursing and Rehab., Brewster, MA on Thursday Aug. 20 at 11 am. Internment Friday, Aug. 21 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown, Conn.