Obituary of Mary V. Clarke

MARY V. CLARKE Florida- Mary Violet Clarke passed away on May 30, 2015, under the care of Hospice and in the loving company of her family. Mary left us peacefully, bathed in the setting Florida sun, a fitting send off for someone who always enjoyed her time on the beach and her golden years as a true snowbird. Preceding her in death are her husband of 49 years, Paul J. Clarke, her one and only love who she continually missed, her parents, Vincinzo A. G. Pascarella and Giovannia Giuliano, and her brother, Charles Pascarella. Mary was a compassionate woman and was never known to express an unkind word or thought. She accepted her later years with a smile and was known to all around her by her pleasant demeanor. She faced her future with grace and courage born of a strength which few exhibit. Her expression, "It's tough getting old", was her only concession. Her approach to the advance of time was mirrored by her life's work as an LPN in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, New York, for 40 years-caring for infants and lending support to their parents, and by her love of all animals-especially dogs, that always found a willing lap and hand of companionship. She was a kind soul and the world is a lesser place without her. Mary is survived by her devoted children, Paul Clarke (Michele); Pamela Leisenfelder (Richard); Deborah Mehm (George); Eileen Madden (John) and Michael Clarke (Kara), as well as her beloved sister, Laura Abrunza and sisters-in-law, Maureen Grignon and Barbara Quebral. She is also survived by the joy of her later life, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her family is honoring their mother's request for cremation and a private family celebration of her life to be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.