Mary Elizabeth Clarke
January 14, 1956 - October 4, 2004
Obituary
Mary Elizabeth CLARKE
Heaven is a brighter place since Mary’s arrival. Mary was born on January 14, 1956 in Lancaster, CA to Francis and Vivian De Baets. Mary was the second of six children, and developed a legendary set of negotiating and problem solving skills. She grew up in Lancaster and graduated from Antelope Valley College as a registered nurse. For over 20 years, Mary gently and compassionately cared for thousands of people. Mary’s magical care infused a joy for life with an unyielding optimistic outlook. She treated patients as newly acquainted friends. Mary’s passions included family, friends and traveling. Actually traveling was just a vehicle to broaden her circle of friends. Once a friend, always a friend to Mary. She gave gladly, graciously and generously to all who knew her. Mary met John, the love of her life, and settled in Seattle, WA. She lovingly partnered with John to raise his children, Beth and Josh. Mary passed away on October 4, 2004 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. In addition to John and his family, Mary is survived by her mother Vivian McGervey, sisters Clare Zisk, Regina Wright, Sharon Laws, brother Paul De Baets, and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mary touched lives as an earth angel. Her presence remains with us, her beautiful smile, heart felt laughter, and glowing locks of red hair. Mary’s love of life and adventure, and the abundance of love she had for her family, friends, and devoted Molly dog have left footprints in our hearts. A memorial service will be Sunday, October 10 at 5:00 PM at The Founder’s Lodge 22030 Cliff Ave. South, Des Moines, WA located north of Des Moines marina. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in memory of Mary Clarke to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Please sign online guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Mary: a special neice, a beautiful person, a loving friend. No one was quite like Mary and no one can take her place, but her heavenly home is now a better place by her presence. She probably already has a heavenly e-mail list and is keeping everyone in touch.
I’ve known Mary my whole life. She is my cousin. I could not have picked a better cousin if I had picked her myself. Mary was my best friend. Mary was my Maid of Honor when I got married 25 years ago. There is now an emptiness in my heart that has to be filled with sweet memories. Mary was the most generous, caring, giving person I have ever known. Mary, I will miss you forever. Until we meet again……….I love you!
Your cousin,
KC
Mary was the best sister ever. She was so giving and always thinking of others. I will always miss her very much.
May God take good care of our precious Mary. The world is a better place for her sharing her life with us. God bless her family.
Mary was the best sister anyone could ever have. She also was a great aunt to my children. My oldest daughter is called “Little Mary” because she looks just like her. My youngest daughter Amanda told me eat chocolate in memory of Mary because she was as sweet as chocolate and drink milk to remind us how strong she was through the cancer. We will all miss her very much.
Mary.
I’ve been so fortunate to have you in my life. Your heart is so full of love, goodness, and God. I’ll miss you so very much…..and will listen for your sweet voice singing with the angels.
Aunt Mary..Im sorry we didnt get to talk one last time before you had to go…but I just wanted to say that we all love you and will miss you…But I have a strong feeling we will see eachother again one day.Thank you for everything you did for our family…and thank you for helping to help my mom cope with her cancer. You are truly an angel!
Until then..Walk in the light, keep smiling, and god bless you.
Love..Meg , Mike, and Riddick
My dear sister Mary may you rest in peace with all the Angels and Saints in Heaven.
I can remember when we were young, Mary and I would play records and dance in the living room to Elton Johns’ song Crocodile-Rock. She made up the steps to the music and we danced. I can see her in heaven now dancing with the angels.
Love ya Mary, Your Sister Clare,
I loved working with Mary. I remember when she came to work with her hair cut short, because she had given it to Children with cancer!!
John,
Hey Senor, I pray for you and all those near you to your loss. We are here for such a short time, it seems, and at times we dont think it. We should take each day and live it to the fullest for we dont ever know if it is our last. Our loved ones who have departed are all in better places now so lets live it for them I’m sure its how they would want it. Take care my friend and please keep in contact. We’re all here for each other. Su amigo Luis.
Mary brought much joy in my life. I am glad I could return by bringing John into hers. Johnny, both of our lives have been touched by this remarkable woman. My life is better for knowing her.
John, Beth and Josh:
You are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. May God bless you and may you feel his presence and comfort. We love you! Mark, Susan, Tyler and Kyra Goodspeed
Mary was the best. We never felt a bad vibration come from her. She made us feel loved and we loved her too. She was a giving soul and we will miss her dearly.
She made our lives and others
better and in this world thats a rare thing. We will remember Mary with a smile in our hearts.
Mary was about the most giving person I have ever met. She was so good to my son Adam – he always got Easter baskets from her, Christmas presents, etc. She even got our dog and bird Christmas presents : I got to know Mary during 1999 when Adam and Josh started being friends. She really enjoyed doing goods things for others, and I will never forget her friendship and generosity. Although her friends and relatives will dearly miss her, at least she is not suffering any more, and I’m quite sure, in a much better place now. Bless you, Mary, and thank you for all you did for me and Adam and so many other people…
Mary always had such a bubbly personality. Her enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
May the God of all comfort be near as we say goodbye to our dear Mary.
Your life,love and courage will always remain in our hearts. Your endless joy and outreach to patients,family and your”sister nurses”will continue to be an inspiration to us all. May God hold you and all you loved in His everlasting arms.
I have never known anyone with such a sense of humor and quick wit! Mary could make anyone smile. Her stength and wit is what I will miss the most. John, she loved you very much.Special prayers for all who loved her so much
Dear John and all of Marys’ wonderful family. I know Mary would not want me to be sad, but I am so sorry to hear we have lost our dear sweet, precious Mary. The angles Mary’s angles wanted her in heaven so we have to accept that the best we can; that’s what Mary would want. It’s hard, but what a better this world and all of us are for having Mary in our lives. I first met Mary at work years ago. She was so much fun to work for, and there were times when we would laugh so hard….she always had a way to cheer up anyone. On several occasions, at the end of a very busy day, I could hardly stand and Mary knew it. She gave me a big hug and said, we did it….kept our skates on and now lets get ready so we can go home. What a precious lady,and an honor to work with such a truly wonderful friend and nurse. I could tell many stories of our friendship and my love for Mary, but for now, my thoughts are with all of Mary’s family. I too will be listening for her sweet voice singing from heaven, probably directing the angles’ choir and smiling down at all of us. I love and miss you so much Mary.
Anita
John, I’m sorry I nevery met Mary but I feel like I know her through you. I know she must have been very special because I saw the pain and agony you went through for so long. I know you loved her very much and I want you to know my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We all miss seeing you wandering the airport spreading your good cheer. Ken Heigh
John,
I’m sorry we never met in person. Mary shared with me her love for you and your children.
It saddened me to hear that she had passed and that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to enjoy her wit and humor.
I met Mary through her brother Paul during high school. As my career progressed and I attended medical school we reconnected when I found out that she had become a nurse. It seemed the perfect career for someone like Mary who loved people and always was able to make one laugh.
Later, she contacted me regarding her illness and shared with me her fear and anxiety regarding the future. As time progressed, the inner strength that came from her relationship with God shown through and she approached her continued struggles with calm, dignity and an inner peace.
While I am sorry that I won’t have the opportunity to hear her voice or laugh with her, I am a better person for having known her. Unfortunately, none of us can predict the future but faith allows us to be sure that those who have loved and shared and given as Mary did in this life will be blessed in the next.
I don’t believe I ever got to meet Mary in person but from the many wonderful stories told to me by KC Youngdale, it is easy to see that Mary was much loved and a vibrant, loving wife, mother and friend. Mary will never be forgotten, she lives on in cherished stories that will be joyously shared by all who knew her.
Today I witnessed the most beautiful celebration of life that I have ever seen. I know Aunt Mary was there, and I know she loved it. There is something to be said about a service that brought many tears…but also many smiles and gales of laughter. She wanted us to remember her with a smile..and so we did. Everyone spoke so sweetly of her, and rightly so…she is a woman whose friendship and good heart touched so many people. And in my opinion, if we all strive to be half as wonderful as she is, we would be very lucky. We Love You Aunt Mary…and we will meet again. Until then,keep smiling, and walk in the light.
Love, Meg, Mike and Riddick
ps-Barry White Rocks. Good choice!
I know Mary because my sister worked with her.I learned what a caring an loving person she was. My sister will miss her always.
My life would not be my life without Mary. It was my privilege since 4th grade in Lancaster to be her friend. So many adventures. So many laughs. The day Mary died a part of me froze in time. We had such a nice visit in August at the beach, it was just like being with her as we were when we were kids. No one loved her husband and children and her friends more than Mary. She was a gift from heaven to us all. My sincerest condolences to her family. May God Bless you.
John & Family
Remember we are all here for you! You have been surrounded by so many loving and caring people! All of them touched by my “Mary by the Sea”thats what my families name was for her She is truly missed, my memories of her will never fade. She was loved by so many people, people she cared for, and touched in a way only Mary could do. There will be a day, a happy day when we will be together once more, with Mary waiting to greet us! Just imaging, if what she did here on earth, touching so many lives was such a blessing, she will only out do herself in heaven! Love and prayers.
Can’t wait : smiles.
Valta, Brady and Taylor
Mary, although we did not know each other for long, I could see you were a considerate and caring person, always looking out for the welfare of others. I am lucky to have met you and spent a little time with you. I am sad that you are gone and that I did not spend more time with you; I will always remember you.
Hey again aunt mary…
Well..my mom is there to keep you company now..so show her the ropes and make sure to give her a big kiss from me..We will see you both again, take care of my mom. Walk in the light!
Love
Mego
Well its been a year now and I want you to know that we are still thinking of you and miss you. We will meet again!