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On July 2, 1922, Mae (McGirr) Clarke was born in Thermopolis, Wyoming as the youngest of 6 children to Rupert and Lizzie Mc Girr.
Located 30 miles outside of town, she grew up and worked on the family ranch until the age of 16 when she moved with her family to Montebello, California. There she completed her High School education and graduated.
When World War II began, Mae moved to San Diego and began working for Consolidated Aircraft in support of the U.S. involvement of the war.
When World War II ended, Mae remained in San Diego for awhile and went to work for the Hotel Del Coronado. She then traveled the West Coast beginning in Bellinham, Washington. She stopped and spent time in Oakland while on her way back to Southern California. Ultimately she settled in Tustin where she met her husband to be – Richard Clarke – after traversing through Long Beach.
Then in 1973, after marrying Richard Clarke, she re-located with him to Anchorage, Alaska. Richard had been contracted to work the Alaskan pipeline for British Petroleum as their Cost Engineer, so they settled there for 8 years and proceeded to experience a very different life style of extreme cold and snow most of the time. It was a harder than usual life, but by supporting each other, they created a positive lifestyle allowing them to remain until Richard's job was complete.
They left Alaska in 1980 and came to settle in Paradise where they enjoyed their years of retirement by socializing with many, many friends and keeping their extra time filled by being affiliated with numerous organizations locally.
Mae is loved and fondly remembered by many friends and family, her brother Bennie Mc Girr in San Diego, CA, daughters Patricia Padelford and Victoria Theeuwes, her Grandchildren Paula Menendez, Devon Huff and Justin Huff,.
Mae will be laid to rest with her husband in Igo, CA on April 3, 2013.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 28, 2013 - a particular day that remains in my "minds eye" as a sad but happy one. Mae "left this realm - in which the pain and inability to have a "normal" life had disappeared - but when she left the happiness quickly grew knowing she would once again be with my Dad, her husband, once again. Mae spread happiness to us all while she was with us, and now happiness abounds her forever with the LOVE OF HER LIFE! I will always love and remember you Mae for all you gave and shared of your life with us all!
Patty Padelford
Other
March 24, 2022
This year will be the 7th anniversary of Mae's passing from this realm to a better one. But she still remains in my heart and mind! Sometimes she just "pops in" to say hi and to remind me of some of the lessons she taught me when she was with us. She's an unforgettable soul and I know so happy being with Dad and proceeding with all the happiness and positivity they both had! Happy anniversary Mae!
Patty Padelford
Daughter
March 24, 2020
She lit a cold, dark room with her laugh. She made a crappy day, a good day. I helped her every day that I worked, and she was a pleasure. I could give her a hard time, and she would just laugh it off. I'm happy I got to spend time with her.
Jessica Thweatt
January 3, 2014
If there were a thousand entries here about Mae they would all attest to her positive approach to life in spite of her many physical challenges. Mae had an innocence about her and seemed to very simply believe that all would work out well. Yet I also believe that she put on a happy face to spare anyone around her from seeing her pain or fear or sorrow- she was brave! She was certainly an inspiration and a gift to those who knew her. Patty and Victoria were worderfully attentive and I know she never doubted that she was well and truly loved.
Deborah Ledesma
April 10, 2013
Every trip down Clark Road results in a subconscious thought to visit Mae. Her happy outlook on life and her positive manner of dealing with her physical limitations were inspirational. She and Dick are together and happy in a better place. We will always remember Mae for her upbeat personality. ...Nigel & Dee Parkhurst
April 8, 2013
Thank you for teaching strength, love and understanding. Your prayers will always follow us. We love you - all four of us love you !
Vicki Theeuwes
April 1, 2013
My Mom taught me a lot about life, and showed me how to "push" through many negative things in life. I will always remember her as a happy, loving and giving person. She loved people and wanted to helpin any way she could.
Patty Padelford
March 30, 2013
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