Sue Ann Ljunggren Clarke

Greenville

Sue Ann Ljunggren Clarke entered into rest on July 13th at home surrounded by the love of her family.

She was the wife of James T. Clarke. Sue was born on November 11, 1952 to Sven and Harriet Ljunggren, then of West Haven, CT. Sue attended North Branford High School and later graduated from Western Connecticut State College with a B.S. in Music Education. After completing her degree, Sue joined her husband, Tommy, where he was stationed in Seattle as a Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving on an icebreaker.

Sue was employed by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners before becoming a full-time mother to her three children: Wendy Clarke Pfrenger, Daniel T. Clarke, and Katherine E. Clarke. Despite frequent relocations due to her husband's military career, Sue remained active in music and education through her involvement with amateur musical theatre, church choirs, Girl Scouts, and part-time work as both a piano teacher and substitute teacher. Sue was also passionate about the natural world and about helping those in need. She worked as Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross in Easley, SC; held office positions with United Way; and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, United Ministries, and her children's schools. She was a member of the WELCA Circle and Prayer Shawl group at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Greenville, and in her spare time she enjoyed hiking, camping, and exploring the state and federal park systems with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Reflecting on her life, Sue said, "Family was most important to me, and I found great joy in life being Tommy's wife and with our children and their families, as well as our extended family. How blessed I have been." Sue was an endlessly caring mother and wife, ever ready to listen to friends and family when they needed a sympathetic ear. She was always up for an adventure, whether it was moving to New York City, tent camping with buffalo, caring for her son's menagerie of snakes and frogs, or hiking to the Top of Texas at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Her ability to bring order to chaos was legendary, but she never stopped finding beauty in the small things. She is survived by her mother and husband, her children and their spouses, and five grandchildren.

Gifts in memoriam may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, The Humane Society, Lutheran World Relief, or the Nature Conservancy.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Greenville, SC on July 23rd at 11am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Greenville News on Jul. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Sue Clarke

Sponsored by The Greenville News.

7 Entries

Ken Page, Dublin, NH

July 8, 2021

Dear Tommy and Family,

I have no idea if this will get to you, but I thought I would try anyway. I used to live in North Branford, CT and dated Sue when I was a senior/college freshman. Believe me, it was just a nice friendship. I am 70 now and retired. I was reflecting the other day and thought of Sue. To my surprise, she has passed. If I remember correctly, Sue and I once went to New York City on the train to go to a Swedish smoresbord and to attend an afternoon performance of the musical Hair at the Builtmore Theater. Wow, what a shock. Believe it or not, her parents even allowed her to take the bus to Vermont for a weekend at UVM where I went to college. Although this is five years too late, let me express my condolences and reiterate what a great person she was. I am sure you both raised wonderful kids. My wife and I live in New Hampshire, but spent most of our careers in Vermont. I was a teacher and principal most of my career. Kind regards, Ken Page, [email protected]

Cathy Marsh

December 6, 2016

Dear Harriet, Tom and Family,

My Father Bill told me of your loss. I am so sad for you all. Over the years, Sven and Harriet would tell me where you were in the world and speak so much of the your kids. "The New Years Group" of Strawsons, Maioranos, Creasers and Ljunggrens were all so special to us growing up in North Branford. Again, I expend my sympathy to you all at the loss of your daughter, wife and Mom.

Mary Barneby

July 26, 2016

On behalf of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, we offer our condolences for the passing of your loved one, who was a sister in Girl Scouting. Her dedication to girls was remarkable and respected by all. We offer you our sincerest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mary Barneby, CEO

Barbara Cran

July 17, 2016

Tommy and family - Sue fought a courageous battle and I know her passing is a great loss to you, her children and grandchildren. As part of that extended family I will always have fond memories of Sue Ann at the Santa Lucia fest at Bethesda and many Christmas Eves with our famous family smorgasbords, Santa's visit (and his special elf) and the many laughs with all of our cousins. From our family to yours our deepest condolences and know that our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

M Conn

July 16, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of such an amazing woman. Sue must have been an incredible influence on anyone she touched in her life. She was truly inspirational and loving, someone that will truly be missed throughout the community. God promises to always remember everyone who has passed, he will surely keep Sue in his loving memory and one day he will reunite the family. -John 5:28
-Hebrews 13:14
Much love to the family

Julie Capaldi

July 15, 2016

I am heartbroken to learn of Sue's passing. She was a lovely, caring person. I'll never forget how great she was about her son's snakes. Tommy, we send you our deepest condolences.

Janie Ray

July 15, 2016

The Clarkes set a fine example of caring for their children. My daughter Jules benefited greatly from that example through their daughter Katie. Sue and her family will be forever in our hearts and in our prayers.

Mike, Janie and Julia Ray

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