Mary Lou Clark, an artist, teacher, and longtime resident of Cohasset, passed peacefully on April 16, 2020, at the Elaine Center Nursing Home in Hadley, MA. Mary Lou was born in 1934 in Alexandria, VA, to Mary Catherine Wilson and Joseph James (Jocko) Clark, a Navy pilot and legendary admiral who commanded the USS Yorktown in the Battle of Midway in WWII, and retired as the highest ranking naval officer of Cherokee descent in American history. Mary Lou attended St. Agnes Episcopal School in Alexandria, and went on to Smith College, ultimately graduating from Southern Methodist University with a degree in French and Spanish. She also earned a Masters Degree in French Existential Literature from George Washington University, had three years of law school at George Washington University and New England School of Law, and earned a studio art degree from the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston. From 1989 to 2016, Mary Lou shared her love of art with students at Quincy College as Adjunct Professor of Art, and was voted Teacher of the Year. In addition to being a gifted teacher and mentor, she was a prolific oil painter and watercolorist whose work was shown in galleries and exhibits throughout the South Shore and Greater Boston area, and in friends and families homes around the world. Mary Lou made friends easily, and could start a conversation with literally anyone, from strangers at the bus stop to families in a prison waiting room (where she went to teach art to prisoners in the 1980s and 1990s). Mary Lou wrote: We learn a lot by venturing out and meeting people who have a harder struggle. It is a mutual exchange of experiences and just being human beings together. She loved to laugh, walk on Sandy Beach in Cohasset, speak French and Spanish, dance and play piano. Her deep ties to her local community included teaching Sunday School at St. Stephens and being an active member of the Cohasset Democratic Committee. She will be remembered by her family as well as hundreds of friends and acquaintances as an original and inspiring role model who gave people permission to be themselves. She is survived by her children Marjorie, Caroline, Caleb, Josiah and Laura; grandchildren Joseph, Kosaul, Moniha, Maya, Dega, Liliana, and Jacob. A memorial service will be held in Cohasset, MA, in the summer of 2020, details TBD. At this difficult time, please visit Mary Lou's tribute page,https://www.mcnamara-sparrell.com/obituary/Mary-Clark to leave words of remembrance or comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Partakers (College Behind Bars), 230 Central Street Auburndale, MA 02466 or online at http://partakers.org/how-to-get-involved/ 781.383.0200

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Published by The Cohasset Mariner from Apr. 24 to May 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Clark

Sponsored by McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home - Norwell.

21 Entries

Brandon Rohr Lousell

April 18, 2023

Mary Lou and I were roommates at St. Agnes School from 1950-1952 when we graduated. Mary Lou, Roberta Graham and I were friends for years. She was one of a kind.

Marlene J. Lyons Faherty

June 13, 2020

Mary Lou, An amazing human being! So many beautiful memories!
I loved stopping by your house. You always made everyone feel as though they were the only one there. I loved your art classes. The greatest lesson you ever taught me was, "Art is like a person's child. Always be mindful of this when commenting on something someone has created." I still have the picture of the Blessed Mother you gave me years ago next to my bed. It has always been special to me - now, more than ever! Please watch over us all from Heaven. I'm sure you're keeping the angels busy teaching them how to draw, paint, and stand on their heads. I'll see you again one day, dear friend/teacher. Until then, may God hold you safely in the palm of His hand!

Sheila Casey

May 10, 2020

Oh my goodness Tanna! The cooking!! Mary lou reminded me of the lady in "The Vicar of Dibley" She had some people over and asked me for a recipe she liked, a Tuscan white bean soup. But she just used whatever was at hand. No white beans, no problem - she used a tin of baked beans! She made a cake using pancake mix, which was flat as a pancake! But when I struggled with a painting, in no time she completely transformed it with just a couple of strokes. And you didnt dare admire anything in Marylou's house - anything - she would immediately give it to you. Generous spirit. You will be missed my friend. Sheila Casey

Thaddeus Kasperowicz

May 9, 2020

I will never forget, it was probably, 15 years ago, I bumped into her and she asked me to give her a hand moving something at the house on South Main Street. A big old heavy coffee table was stuck on a tight staircase that wound around in an odd way. It was out somewhere around where the kitchen was that was closest to the barn. To this day I can't figure out how she was able to get it into that position all by herself. Strong woman.

Brian Adgate

May 9, 2020

Mary Lou was a wonderful friend, a kind hearted person and a true and generous artist. We shared a studio together for many years in Rockland, Ma where I first met her. She was always encouraging to fellow artists and this showed in the way she was loved and admired by all those who came in contact with her most notably by her students at Quincy College. Her spirit and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Brian Adgate

May 9, 2020

Tanna Kasperowicz

May 9, 2020

Marylou was a horrible cook.She excelled at the rest of life. My home is filled with her paintings and memories of her and her stories. Because we were neighbors I saw her frequently.I was in my yard one day attempting to paint a watercolor of the flowers on our front steps. It was a sorry effort.Marylou came by, grabbed an old piece of cardboard and finished a perfect painting in seconds.I framed her painting. A good person with a heart of gold.

May 8, 2020

Mary Lou was a unique friend, a true free spirit. She was interesting, intelligent and artistic. Being somewhat introverted myself, she always amazed me at how easily she could talk to ( and charm) others and learn all about their lives in a brief conversation. She had a great sense of humor and a vivid imagination, and a wonderful artistic talent. Much love Mary Lou you will be missed. Sheila

David Tandy

May 4, 2020

A great teacher, lovely person

David Tandy

May 4, 2020

Mary Lou at her house in 2009

Tracy Spadafora

April 30, 2020

Mary Lou was a dear friend and colleague, and I am very sad to hear of her passing. She took a workshop with me in Cohasset in 2001, than recommended me for a teaching job at Quincy College. She helped to build the art dept. at Quincy College and I was fortunate to have taught with her there for 15 years. Mary Lou was a creative, talented, funny, and fascinating person, who lived a very rich life. I enjoyed her company and learned so much from spending time with her. She had a huge heart and kind soul and really loved her large family, many friends, and students. I will miss her dearly. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to her family.

Joan Clifford

April 30, 2020

My condolences to Mary Lou's family, you had a special mom. I knew Mary Lou from Quincy College, she was warm, magnetic and had the ability to connect with everyone she met. She wore beautiful colors, lavender and blue, like the art she created and shared. She was beautiful, inside and out, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Tina Falconi

April 30, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Mary Lou at Quincy College. She was always so sweet. You will be missed Mary Lou. My condolences to your family.

April 28, 2020

Marylou was a wonderful person and one of a kind....so sorry she is now gone...Marie Johnston

Judith Beck-Rochelle

April 25, 2020

My condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of knowing MaryLou during my years at Quincy College. We remained friends for many years after my graduation, unfortunately lost touch.
A truly wonderful lady, who spread so much joy to so many people, not only through her art but her charisma.

April 25, 2020

Condolences to your family. God bless you. May you Rest In Peace.

Christopher Rivers

April 25, 2020

It was my great privilege and genuine joy to know Mary Lou during the last five months of her life. She was facing tremendous physical challenges but the light of her spirit, as well as her intelligence, graciousness, wit, warmth, tact, and charm, shone through with absolute clarity. A lovely, remarkable person. We did not have too much time together but the encounters were meaningful, because she brought such palpable presence to every interaction, in spite of everything. I am deeply grateful for having known Mary Lou; I will think of her often, always with a smile, and I will carry her in my heart. May flights of angels sing her to her rest!

Mandy Burgoon

April 25, 2020

Dear Mary Lou, you enhanced my life, and I will miss you dearly. The long visits we had in my and my mother's shop (The carousel)will always be a fond memory. You and my mom shared so much life history, and your friendship spilled over to me as well. Thank you.My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of your loved ones.

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