Sandra Clarke Obituary
Sandra Ann Clarke, age 77, of Mount Prospect, passed away on January 29, 2026. Sandra was born February 1, 1948, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Raymond and Minnie (Picolotti) Adams. Sandra was raised in Chicago and attended Trinity High School and Northeastern Illinois University before relocating to Mount Prospect in 1973 to raise her family. For nearly forty years, Sandra Taught Reading and English at Pennoyer Elementary School in Norridge, Illinois, continuing as a substitute teacher until the age of 74. She was passionate about teaching students to read and looked forward to picking out the perfect book for guest reader day at her grandchildren's school.
In the summers, she enjoyed afternoon boat rides on Pleasant Lake when her boys and their families were visiting, and she found her happy place sunning at the end of the pier while watching her grandchildren in the water.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Vincent M. Clarke; her two sons, Michael (Karen) Clarke and Brian (Alyssa) Clarke; her granddaughters, Karington & Kennedy; and her grandson, Grayson. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond (Skip) Adams and Gerald (Gerry) Adams, as well as her brothers-in-law, John (Ken) Clarke and Laurence (Larry) Breen. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Pat Adams, Vicki Adams, Adrienne Berton, Gwen Breen, Susan Clarke, and brother-in-law Dave Berton.
Visitation, Monday, February 2, 2026 4:00pm-8:00pm at Matz Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Rand Rd, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056. The following day visitation at 10:30am until funeral mass at 11:30 at Saint Emily Catholic Church, 1400 E Central Rd., Mount Prospect, IL 60056. The interment will be immediately after mass at All Saints Catholic Cemetery 700 N. River Rd., DesPlaines, Illinois 60016. For further information please call Matz at (847) 394-2336.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Stephanie Volpe
February 2, 2026
Mrs. Clarke was my 7th grade homeroom and ELA teacher. Her love for books and teaching left a meaningful impression on me as I went into teaching myself. Rest in peace Mrs. Clarke.
Patty Clarke
February 1, 2026
My deepest condolences to Vince, Michael, Brian and all in the family. Sandy was truly one of the nicest and sweetest people anyone could ever want to meet. I know you will all miss her dearly, but know she will always be with you, watching over you and smiling down on you with her cute impish smile. Love you Sandy and may God Bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand. Rest in Peace Sandy, I will never forget you.
Patty
Marisa Bowden
January 31, 2026
Sandra subbed a few times my first year teaching at Pennoyer, and despite only being there a few times, she left quite the impression on me. We´d often delve into our stories of teaching, but I preferred to listen to anything she had to share. Anyone could tell, she not only loved what she did, but she was meant to be a teacher. My most cherished memory of Sandra is our running joke. Every time she was back at Pennoyer, I´d jest with her and say, "Oh, it´s you back to stalk me again!" She´d smile and say, "Well, you´re my favorite person to stalk!"
Sandra made a few guest appearances in my life, but due to her warmth, smile, insight, humor, ability to listen, I only wish she made more, yet I´m grateful for impression she left on me.
Bob
January 30, 2026
What does a person say about someone you have known for 70 years. We shared childhood memories, teen year memories and growing old together memories. Sandra was always there for me. I truly loved her like a sister. We had a bond together that couldn´t be broken. I will miss her terribly and until we meet again. Love you always
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