Francesca Clink Obituary

CLINK FRANCESCA CLINK "Frankie" Peacefully On Wednesday May 5, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was born in Portrush, Northern Ireland on July 16,1921. She was the loving mother of Melissa Clink, Lucy Clink, Sean Clink and the stepmother to Susan VonHellens and Jeffrey Clink. Her brother, Shaun Hassan; as well as her beloved extended family in the U.K. and the U.S., survive her. Her generosity of spirit and goodness of heart were legendary and felt by all who knew her. She had a remarkable character and an infectious ability to communicate her love of life and joy of living wherever she went. She will be deeply missed by her many friends and neighbors. She grew up in Northern Ireland, moved to England during WWII. The years following the war were spent in Nairobi, Kenya where she lived and worked for several years. She met her future husband, Jack Clink (1911-1998), in Nairobi. They were married in the U.S. where they remained for the rest of their lives. There will be a memorial service Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Myer, Arlington, VA. Frankie will be buried with her husband directly after the service at Arlington National Cemetery. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish of Arlington, VA since 1955. A Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Friday, July 16 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity.

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Published by The Washington Post on May 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Francesca Clink

9 Entries

Kevin Bell

June 5, 2011

Nana,

It has been over a year and I very much miss your smile and candid conversation. My faith has helped greatly and I thank you for your example. I trust your spirit is in heaven.

love,

Kevin

Mick Bettesworth

August 24, 2010

A message from the English branch of the family:

We were all deeply saddened at Frankie’s death as we feel that we have lost not only a wonderful aunt but also the kindest and most loveable of the 5 Hassan sisters. Frankie’s wonderful, sometimes ‘laid back’ approach to life was a delight and her love and devotion to her immediate and extended family was legendary. We all loved visiting her at number 1512, albeit that life there was sometimes a little chaotic! Her alas infrequent trips to Europe to see the English family were always eagerly anticipated occasions and the reality never failed to live up to its promise.

Frankie had an ability to see right to the heart of any problem and always had wise words or sage advice to offer, I vividly remember staying with her during a particularly difficult business trip to Washington – her practical advice led to the solution of a thorny problem which had threatened to derail the meeting.

Frankie had her loveable idiosyncrasies, I remember a trip to a garden centre to buy a spade resulted in her returning with 34 lettuces and no spade! She was also a walking medical encyclopedia - whatever ailment beset you –Frankie was sure to have a remedy in her medicine chest!

She was of a generation of which we shall not see the like again – she was loveable, charming and above all – a great lady – we shall all miss her.

Catherine Morgan

June 25, 2010

Its with heartfelt sympothy that I learn of the passing of my dear friend and your mom. I want the family to know that I too only have fond memories of Mrs. Clink. She and I enjoyed some good conversations over the pass 20+ years and I too am going to miss her deeply.

Gladys Vera

June 9, 2010

Ms. Clink, my Dear Ms. Clink I know you are in heaven now with our Lord and Savior JesusChrist resting with Him and living the wonderful eternal life He's promised us, I will miss you much but I know I will see you again to laugh and enjoy our long conversations in heaven, you are one of the greatest persons I've ever met, I am happy and grateful I've had the chance to meet you and be friends for all these last 8 years, GOD always bless you, with love, Gladys.

Kevin Bell

June 4, 2010

Although everyone knew her as "Frankie", to me she was "Nana". Her sweet and loving nature is the best reminder of how to treat others. Her giving spirit is the best reminder of how to treat others. She taught me many things, although I had never told her of this. I fell so blessed to have had such a wonderful grandmother. I returned to Church (Catholic) after almost 15 years because of her prayers for me. I hope to speak with such kindness and be as giving as her in the days ahead and my heart will miss her spirit...I hope to see her again...but not yet. With love to you Nana...

we all dearly miss you,

Kevin

Biddy Bettesworth

May 19, 2010

Cooty was - is, because she now she is enjoying an eternity of happiness - my dearest aunt, and my friend. She was an irrepressible mixture of love and laughter, sympthy and understanding, forgiveness and optimism.

I think the secret of her strength was her deep faith: she was indomitable. She had deep devotion to certain intercessors, and would promise, sometimes much to the amusement of others, to "light a candle and say some prayers" for whatever her listener was concerned about. But we counted on her candles and prayers!

She came from a really remarkable family, and kept up a life-long relationship - at times very lively - with her four sisters and her brother Shaun whom she loved deeply. She never lost her Irish brogue, twinkling eyes and sense of humor.

Although she had more ailments during her lifetime than anyone else I know, she was always ready to listen to others, sympathize and offer advice from her vast experience!

It's quite impossible to do justice to her in a few lines: Frankie knew how to love, and she let you know she loved you. She always made me - and everyone around her - feel like a million dollars!

I know that she won't stop loving us now that she is in heaven. She'll just keep doing the same thing - gently nudging us and encouraging us, helping us to come back home.

Yes, I pray for her, but I also count on her help!

Barbara Byrnes Fey

May 18, 2010

I think what I will remember the most, are the days in the garden listening to your mom's stories - and of course never beeing able to call Lucy at her house without first having a very lengthy conversation with "Mom". She was always such a part of everyone's lives. I'm sure she will be deeply missed, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.

The following poem gave me great compfort when my mom died, and I hope it will for you as well.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on the snow. I am the sunlight that ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die."

Teresa Tessitore

May 17, 2010

I've heard so many wonderful stories about Francesca and I just wish I had known her better. I do know her 2 wonderful daughters Melissa and Lucy and her granddaughter Tiffany. She must have been a great lady to have raised such wonderful people!

T

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