Mary Clarke
October 24, 1928 — March 31, 2018
Mary J. Clarke of Mt Airy, MD, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Born on October 24, 1928, in Washington, DC, she was the youngest child of Joseph and Marie Johnson. Mary grew up in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC. As a child she would love to walk to Griffith stadium to watch the Senators play. One of her favorite memories was when a player gave her a piece of chewing gum. Another favorite childhood memory was when she went on what seemed to be a long family trip to Braddock Heights, MD, to ride the merry go round. She was the lucky girl who caught the brass ring that day. Mary would often fondly recall the long walks with her father all around the city. She attended St. Gabriel's Catholic School and Academy of the Holy Names in Silver Spring, MD. After graduation, she went to work for the FBI in the fingerprint department.
Mary met the love of her life, Charles J. Clarke, Jr. and on their first date they went to Glen Echo Park where she had the best memory of riding the roller coaster. They were married October 28, 1950, and moved into an apartment in Washington, DC. Several years later, as their family grew, they moved to Rockville, MD.
Mary enjoyed duckpin bowling and spent many years on a league at Twinbrook Bowling Alley. She enjoyed traveling and gardening. Her home in Rockville was known for its beautiful flower beds. Many pets found a loving home with her through the years and all were loved dearly. One of Mary's favorite pastimes was listening to music and almost any conversation would remind her of a song. Her favorite singer was Don Williams. There wasn't a day that would go by that she didn’t have a "Don Williams Concert". One of her favorite memories was being first row at one of Don Williams’ last concerts where she got to meet and get her picture with some of the band.
She was never happier than when she was spending time with her family. She loved a great meal and always followed it with dessert.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles J Clarke Jr., in 1980, her son, Charles J. Clarke III in 2017, a brother, Thomas Johnson, and a sister, Margaret Kenney.
Mary will be missed and lovingly remembered by her five surviving children: Mary "Kathy" Clarke (Larry), Robert Clarke (Sharon), Thomas Clarke (Cathy), Maureen Clarke- Hardesty and Eileen Clarke Hanold (Tim) as well as Charlie’s wife, Becky; nine grandchildren: Paige Holman, Amanda Slack, Heather Clarke, Cody Elliott, Sampson Clarke, Robyn Clarke, Justin Clarke, Colin Clarke, Austin Clarke and great grandson, Wyatt Callaghan. Mary will also be missed by her good friend Robert Cotter.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM on Monday, April 9, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mt. Airy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 10, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 26 Grant Circle, N.W., Washington, DC with Rev. Kevin Kennedy as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Rd, N.E., Washington, DC 20017.
Online condolences may be expressed at staufferfuneralhome.com