Jeanne Korns Clark

Jeanne Korns Clark, age 92, of Old Lyme, passed away on August 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Jeanne was born on November 29, 1930 in Somerset Township, PA to Stella Cleo Glessner and Ernest Edmund Korns. She graduated from Boswell High School in 1948 before completing a five-year RN/BS in Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania in 1953.

She married Robert Clark on August 28, 1954 in Philadelphia. As a young nurse, she worked at the Veterans Hospital in Philadelphia. In 1955, the young couple moved to Old Lyme where Jeanne helped Robert to establish his veterinary practice. Jeanne is preceded in death by her three husbands, Robert Clark, Richard Lacourciere, and Richard Katucki, and by her brother, Robert Korns.

Jeanne is survived by her loving children and their spouses, Dr. Kathy Clark, Philip (Susan) Clark, Rev. Stephanie (Kevin) Flynn, and Dr. Hilarie (Jeffrey) Moore. Jeanne is also survived by grandchildren and spouses, Jennifer, Sarah, Timothy (Rebecca), Daniel (Vivian), Emily (Andrew), Leslie (Brian), Erica (Jacob), Peter, and Andrew in addition to her three great granddaughters, Eliza, Madeline, and Enni.

Jeanne found joy in many pursuits, including reading, tending her garden, traveling, playing the piano, completing the crossword daily, volunteering, and serving her community. She was an avid bridge player and loved the arts. She frequented museums, the theater, operas, ballets, and orchestral concerts. Jeanne was also active at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

Jeanne prioritized education, leading her to join the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education, where she served for 20 years, including 10 years as a chairperson, and overseeing the construction of the new high school.

Jeanne traveled to over 100 countries both as a tourist and as a volunteer, including 26 trips with the Global Volunteers organization. Jeanne and Robert hosted families from abroad as well as four foreign exchange students via the American Field Service organization. Domestically, she sought to visit every U.S. state capital.

Jeanne proudly believed that she never met a stranger, but a future friend. She opened her home and heart to people across the globe, and remained diligent in her correspondence. She would share stories from her life and travels, and often tried to convince anyone who would listen that the donkey was the best animal because it is the universal beast of burden.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 27 at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Friends and family are welcomed to join the family for an ice cream social at the church hall following the service regardless whether you attend the service.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jeanne can be made to the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, PO Box 216, Miles, Texas 76801, or a charity of your choice