Marie Lynch Clark

Marie L. Clark, age 95, died at home September 6, 2022. She left this earth knowing she was loved beyond measure. Marie was born March 10,1927 in Teaneck, NJ. She married her high school sweetheart, Vincent Clark. Vincent and Marie celebrated 60 years of marriage before he passed away in 2010. Marie and Vince welcomed nine children, their spouses, 27 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren into the Clark family fold.

Marie was gracious, full of faith, and practical. Into her 90s, she considered the day a waste if she hadn’t prayed, learned something new and accomplished two tasks. Marie knew nothing of doing nothing; she was purposeful and patient in all things.

After completing secretarial school, Marie put her administrative skills to work for a NYC law firm. She figured if she could manage ten lawyers, nine kids would be a piece of cake. Marie and Vincent married in 1950 and spent their young family years in New Jersey, raising their eight children. While Vincent assumed his role as head of the household, Marie ran the show behind the scenes. As a mother, Marie did the impossible and made it look easy. She invested countless hours soothing babies, finding socks, preparing dinners, answering questions and packing lunches. In her free time, she honed her bridge game, sewed, and volunteered at church. In the last year of her life, Marie enjoyed the game show, Family Feud. Perhaps it reminded her of the competition and collaboration inherent in raising a big family.

In 1969, a corporate transfer brought Marie and family to Prairie Village, Kansas. There, they welcomed their ninth (some say favorite) child. As Marie and Vince’s family grew, her love remained steadfast. Marie developed lifelong friends during their seven year stay. A new job opportunity for Vincent brought the Clark clan to Raleigh in 1976. Once the youngest child was settled in school, Marie decided to take it easy and return to paid work. The picture of grace and efficiency, Marie worked as an Executive Assistant for two US Senators and finished her career with the US Department of Agriculture. In her retirement years, Marie took great pleasure in travel, family celebrations, neighborhood walks, daily Mass and a bridge game with friends.

Marie was compassionate, capable, unflappable. What Marie did best; she listened, encouraged, cajoled, nurtured, and helped pick up the pieces when life fell apart. It is the reason her children and grandchildren sought her counsel and took comfort in her presence. Marie’s 95 years are a testament to the power of enduring faith and love.

Marie’s family offers special thanks to Madison Moreno, who so lovingly cared for Marie in her final months.

Surviving family members include her children, Kathleen Hampton (John) , Kevin Clark, Thomas Clark (Katie), Eileen Pruette (Henry), Jeanne Evans (Bill), Maureen Maingi (Shailesh), Joseph Clark (Denise) Edward Clark (Fran), her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marie is also survived by her brother, Lawrence Lynch, loving nieces and nephews, and by her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Clark. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Clark, son, Vince Clark, grandson, Jason Clark and brother, John Lynch.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday afternoon, September 14, 2022 from 2:30 - 3:15 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (11401 Leesville Road). A Memorial Mass will be held at 3:30 pm, with inurnment to follow at the church columbarium.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Catholic Parish Outreach - 2013 Raleigh Boulevard - Raleigh, NC 27604.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Marie or a message of condolence to her family, you may do so below within "add a memory".