Lillian Mori Clarke Giberga

Lillian Mori

Clarke Giberga

Lillian Mori Clarke Giberga was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, on March 29, 1925, into a musical family. Her Italian born father was a musician who nurtured her love of the piano and singing. Gifted with a vibrant and melodious voice, she received a scholarship to The Peabody Conservatory of Music. As a first year student, she distinguished herself by winning the Rhea Hunter Award as the dramatic soprano of the year in 1943.

In 1944, she met and married Alan T. Clarke and moved to Huntington Farm, his thoroughbred horse -breeding farm in Clarksville, Maryland. There they raised five daughters to whom she passed on her love of beauty, classical music, compassion for animals, love of history and appreciation for films from the Golden Age. Her love and appreciation for the beauty in nature was displayed in her gardens at all of her homes. Between managing the farm and raising five girls, she always found time to chair a benefit for her Garden Club and the Maryland Historical Society. Lillian expressed her boundless creativity by giving imaginative parties for her children and photographing their many adventures on the farm. She was the family archivist.

Uncharacteristically early for a luncheon at the Jockey Club in D.C., her exotic beauty caught the eye of Manuel Giberga, a Cuban refugee and economist, who proposed to her on the spot. They were married in 1962 and moved to her dream home in Washington, D.C. There she found delight in creating an elegant environment filled with the antiques that she always loved. Her home in Kalorama became known as the "unofficial Cuban Embassy." It was the scene of frequent social gatherings of local, national and international leaders. During the holidays it was always open to her foreign friends and diplomats who could not go home for their own celebrations and it was often considered a second home for many of her daughters friends.

She was especially active in creating opportunities for Spanish-speaking Americans, for which she had a Presidential Appointment, and in the affairs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A gracious and elegant lady, she was known for her playful sense of humor, her love of good conversation, and for being "muy simpatica."

She lost her valiant fight against breast cancer on Saturday, November 6, 2010. She was 85 years young.

She is survived by her daughters Carolina, Lilibet, Lucinda Lee, Alana and four grandchildren, Sasha, Justin, Christina and Lilli.

A woman of immense vitality and fortitude, she endured many tragedies including the untimely death of one beloved daughter, Ariana .

In her final years, Lillian inspired many with her courage, cheerful demeanor, humor and dignity in the face of cancer.

To honor this creative and loving spirit, there will be a High Tea for family and friends at The Farmington Country Club from 3 until 5 p.m. Saturday, November 27, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Peabody Institute - Development Office, In memory of Lillian Mori, One East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD 21202 or the Charlottesville SPCA, P.O. Box 7047, Charlottesville, VA 22906, In Memory of Lillian Geberga.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.