Mary Jane Gibbs Clark

December 11, 2006 Mary Jane Gibbs Clark, 87, died on December 11, 2006, after a long illness. A native of Syracuse, she was the fourth daughter of Pearl Norton Gibbs and Charles M. Gibbs of the Gibbs Tent and Awning Company. Having learned at her mother and father's knee; she sewed all her life; making alterations, sewing custom slipcovers and draperies. She took great joy in creating artistic soft sculpture dolls and many traditional and art quilts. During the war years she worked at Crouse Hinds and later for the Syracuse Board of Education, the Physics Department at Syracuse University and finally at the Women's Continuing Education Department at University College. She was a member of the Betts Memorial Universalist Church (First Universalist Church) in Syracuse. Mary Jane is survived by a sister, Adele Greeley of Tully NY; and three children, Barbara Clark of Petaluma, CA, Susan (and William) McCann of Binghamton, NY, and Richard L., Jr. (and Shelley Holland-Moritz), of Englewood NJ. She was the very proud grandmother of three and great-grandmother of five. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard L. Clark; and two sisters, Carol Hickock and Elizabeth Palin. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank our friend and adopted sister, Bonnie Cooper for her love and support these past years. A memorial service and future interment at Jamesville Cemetery will be announced in the spring. As was said, she "was good people." Forthright but gentle, open minded and giving, she was always interested in building a positive connection with people. Mary Jane held the highest standards for herself and did not judge others. When given lemons, she made lemonade. Those who knew her will surely miss her, yet are grateful for the wonderful example of her life. Hospice of Petaluma provided love and support during Mary Jane's last year. Donations, as a private act of kindness in her memory, would be appreciated to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma, CA 94952. Arrangements under the direction of ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, Petaluma, CA.