Carlene Dorothy Clark

8/26/1944 - 8/3/2025

Niantic - Carlene Dorothy Clark, 80, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Aug. 3, 2025. She resided in Niantic with the last 20 years in an active adult community named in her and her family's honor, "Clark's Hollow."

She was born Aug. 26, 1944, in Saco, Maine. Carlene was the loving daughter of Lester and Dorothy Taylor. She attended NFA and graduated from New London High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings: Gail, Sherri, Daniel and Lester Taylor. She is survived by her forever love, William Louis Clark and would have been celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary, Sept. 1, with their romantic relationship beginning from a beautiful, serene strawberry patch. Also, she is survived by her daughter Kimberly Clark-Contino of Stonington; and son William Robert Clark of Oakdale; sisters, Linda D. Molonson of Daytona Beach, and Laurie Taylor of Groton; seven grandchildren: Abigail, Danny, Anthony, Billy, Connor, Wyatt and Jesse; and one great-granddaughter, Melrose.

She had a love of spontaneity, always eager to plan trips and impromptu elaborate adventures. N.Y.C. was her happy place, especially sharing the excitement and thrills with her children and grandchildren at the ever-popular Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

Her standards were always high for beautiful things, and she wasn't completely happy until everyone was. She always carried herself with grace, confidence and elegance. She always offered words of praise with her sparkling blue eyes and tender smile.

Carlene's love for nurturing was especially evident in her beautiful gardens. Her love for Christmas was every day and the joy and spirit of this holiday was never ending and passed on to everyone she met.

Wedding anniversary celebrations promoted travels to Ireland, Acapulco, a cruise down the Mississippi River, and countless trips along the Northeast.

Her dedication to her children's sports was unsurpassed - always cheering as their biggest fan.

Her nurturing and kind spirit extended far beyond her immediate family and was evident as she happily worked as a realtor, dental assistant, hostess at both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casino. And her exuberant smile and grace continued with passion within the prestigious establishments of the Morton House and the Light House Inn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 - romantically at the Flanders Baptist Church in East Lyme, officiated by the Reverend Alan Scott, the son of the Reverend Allen Scott who married them 62 years ago.