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BORN
1951
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Susan Clark Obituary
Susan grew up in Middleton, MA and was a 1973 graduate of Clark University, Worcester, MA and received Montessori Training in Toronto Canada in 1973-4. She served as the directress of the Lost Nation Montessori school in Lancaster, NH from 1974-6.
Susan and family lived in the Rochester, MN area from 1977-2007, with the exception of 1999-2001 when the family resided in the Heidelberg area of Germany. While residing in Germany she became fluent in German and traveled extensively with family and friends in Europe.
After moving to Minnesota Susan founded and co-owned a Montessori school in Austin, MN for several years before becoming a social worker for Olmstead County in 1986 until 1999, doing day care licensing, foster home placement and related jobs. Susan and Brian located back to Massachusetts in 2007, to the Clark farm in Ashfield where she had been pursuing her lifelong passion for sewing, especially quilting. She was a talented and active member of the local Quilting Guild and a beautiful selection of her quilts were featured on the stage of the Town Hall during the 2013 Ashfield Fall Festival. She was a current member of the Ashfield Board of Health and of the Ashfield Fall Festival Committee, continuing a lifetime of child care, teaching, and public service for which she was highly regarded by all who knew and worked with her.
She leaves a brother; David Shaw and his wife Sally of Marblehead, MA; two sisters, Jane Carpenter of East Greenwich, RI and Margot Nuissl of Uxbridge, MA; a cousin Sally Garrigan of Kenosha, WI and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service is planned for a future date, yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations instead be sent to the family of Susan's nephew, Isaac Clark who recently suffered severe injuries as the result of an accident. The Isaac Clark Fund at Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main St., PO Box 1537, Greenfield, MA 01302.
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home of Shelburne Falls is assisting the family.
To send a message of condolence to Susan's family, please visit
www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Clark
Linda Goodale
December 18, 2023
She was such fun and inspiration to be with. Such a positive impact she has had on so many of us. Miss her dearly.
Jane Wilcox Hively
December 18, 2023
Susan was such an inspiration of love. She cared beyond her own immediate wants. Generous, thoughtful and beautiful. Miss you Sue.
Linda Goodale
December 18, 2021
I think of Susan often, particularly at this time of year. Quilts and cookies are just not the same. Miss her...
January 3, 2014
I met Susan in the early 60's or late 50's at summer camp. We were immediately friends, and then lost touch for a few years, only to rediscover each other when we accidentally ended up as roommates at Clark University. Once again, great adventures ensued. I remember when Susan met Brian and what a great love story that was and is. Susan, I will remember you with a smile, never forget our great times, and think of our last visit together on the farm. You will be missed. Sending hugs to Brian, Cameron and Mackenzie and to Margot, who I also knew way back when.
Patrice Lager
January 2, 2014
Susan will be greatly missed by her friends in Minnesota. She was a kind and generous person and a loving friend. I am saddened for all of us.
Robin Waldron
January 1, 2014
Although I only knew Susan a short time, she was always kind, thoughtful, and had an understanding of beauty and a zest for life. I'm sure she's in heaven sharing her quilts. The loss of someone, especially during the holidays, makes the grief especially hard. Focus on your memories, the laughter and her smile. Slowly, grief will give way to healing and Peace.
December 31, 2013
As a close friend of Sally Garrigan, I met Susan several times at various family functions, and was impressed by her energy, intelligence and gracious, accepting attitude toward life and what it throws your way. I am so sad to hear of her untimely passing, and want her family to know, that she was a woman, who left an intensely positive impression, upon everyone she met. My sincere sympathy. Janice Page, Gresham, Oregon
marcia Hayden Hendrick, Sue Shaw Clark and Jane Wilcox Hively, Linda at camera
Jane Wilcox Hively
December 28, 2013
Friend, competitor, best friend, opposing team friend, true friend, pajama parties, happiness and forever-there, remembering friend, singing and laughing friend, sister of my heart... Love you Sue...God bless.
Sunny Nelson
December 27, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the unexpected passing of Susan. I was fortunate enough to have met Susan when she came to Kenosha to help take care of her cousin Sally when she was going through her health problems. What a wonderful person Susan was and always will be. May God be with you and help you through this difficult time.
Helie Rock
December 27, 2013
The passing of this funny, talented lady makes me incredibly sad. I'll always treasure the beautiful quilted table-runner she gave me, and playing "words with friends" with her (though she always beat me!) We must all help keep her legacy alive...
Yvonne Federowicz
December 27, 2013
Brian and family, our thoughts are with you. Susan brought kindness and grace wherever she was.
Mary Whittemore
December 26, 2013
Brian and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was a sweet, talented lady who left too soon. She was our tour guide when we visited your beautiful home and orchards with the West Springfield Garden Club this past Fall. She is with Jesus in Heaven describing all the varieties of apples. God Bless the Clark Family. Love, Mary Whittemore
Maggi and Bill Davidson
December 26, 2013
We cannot begin to think of a world without kind, thoughtful, energetic, creative, witty, loving Susan. Saying "I miss you" does not begin to express the loss. Our thoughts are with you, Brian and Mackenszie and Cameron - and with all of Susan's family.
December 26, 2013
For three years Susan and Brian have hosted the West Springfield Garden Club in mid-September for a grand tour of the Clark Bros Orchards. Starting at their house we would admire Susan's quilts, have lunch overlooking the valley, tour in two vehicles throughout the properties, visit other Clark family members, pick apples, and end up back at the house enjoying home made desserts. It has become a highlight on our calendar. She will be missed. We extend our sympathies to the entire family.
Joan Starr
December 25, 2013
More than a loss, a tragedy. Brian, Cameron and MacKenzie, Susan is forever with you. Please accept my utmost condolences, may God support you in this time of need, and may the force be with you, Cameron.
Elizabeth Hammond
December 25, 2013
Our hearts go out to you Brian and to all your family and dear friends, who have had the privilege of knowing Susan. Intelligent, creative, compassionate, and kind- she graced all of us with her talent and example. When thoughts of her come to mind- think of happy memories. She will be there. Love never dies.
Taken while giving the West Springfield Garden Club a tour of the Orchard. Photo taken Sept 2013, by Mary Anne O'Conner
Melissa Hensen
December 25, 2013
My daughters and I had the opportunity to met Susan and Brian in Sept. 2013, when the West Springfield Garden Club visited the orchard. Susan was so gracious, engaging, and giving. My family had such a wonderful time. May the memories of Susan give you sunshine during the rain storm. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
December 25, 2013
Brian,
My sincere sympathy to you as well as your direct family, Cameron and MacKenzie, and the rest of the Clark family. May your memories of Susan sustain you.
Rudi
December 25, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family. Sue was a one of a kind person. Special in every way. May you find Peace! Rod and Dianne Patten
Showing us how it is done in the orchard
Linda Goodale
December 24, 2013
Her quilt of Michele, Jane and her mother
Linda Goodale
December 24, 2013
In the blossoms
Linda Goodale
December 24, 2013
Our Sue
Linda Goodale
December 24, 2013
Gayle Snyder
December 24, 2013
Susan, it was an honor to have known you. You were someone I have thought of frequently, remembering great gatherings in Rochester, MN.
Brian, I am so very sorry.
Claudia Lucas
December 24, 2013
Susan was a kind and valued member of her community as well as an immensely talented individual. As a colleague, she showed great dedication and caring and I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. My husband and I are greatly saddened by her sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. She will be missed.
Suzanne Fleury
December 24, 2013
I only met Susan twice, but she was so sweet and wonderful to me, like she had known me for years. Such a sudden loss can be described only one way, shocking and heartbreaking. My deepest sympathies to her friends and her loving family.
Meg Baker
December 24, 2013
So saddened by the loss of such a lovely lady.
Pat $ Kimberly Smith
December 24, 2013
There are no words, but know that our thoughts are with you in your loss and grief. We have so many good memories from our five years as friends. Cousins Pat and Kimberly smith
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