Helen M. Clark

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ARKPORT - Helen M. Clark, 89, a resident of Arkport for 60 years, passed away in Jamestown early Sunday morning (Nov. 16, 2008) surrounded by all of her children.

Born in Herkimer on Feb. 15, 1919, she was a daughter of the late Damian and Eva Hascyz Merena.

On Aug. 30, l945, she was married in Herkimer to Jack R. Brown, who predeceased her on Nov. 18, 1995, after 50 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her four brothers and two sisters.

Helen graduated from high school in Herkimer and graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College and received her certification in special education from SUNY Geneseo.

She taught home economics at Arkport Central School and retired from teaching special education classes at Steuben-Allegany County BOCES in Hornell.

A supportive wife and devoted to her family, Helen was a phenomenal cook and also enjoyed baking and canning. Some of her happiest times, besides being with her loved ones, were spent in the classroom. She loved to teach and promoted education to her family. It will be an under statement to say that she was a very social person. She enjoyed being a caregiver to all ages and was well respected and loved by her family and friends because of her pleasant and compassionate personality.

Helen was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Arkport and also a member of the Retired Teachers.

Her family includes her six children: Sharilyn Grace (Dan) McBride of Bemus Point, Sandra Lee (John) German of Virginia Beach, Va., Robert James Clark of Chicago, Ill., Maxine (Edward) Alfaro of Aliso Viejo, Calif., Jacqueline (Stephen) Stewart of Walworth and Peter Harold (Jacqueline) Clark of Virginia Beach, Va.; her 10 grandchildren: Stephanie, Erin, Amanda, Devin, Jarrod, Jennifer, Caitlin, Ashley, Jake and Taylor; her one great-granddaughter, Nora Grace; her brother, Peter Merena of Herkimer; also her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Arkport, with the Rev. Steven Jewell and her son-in-law, the Rev. Dan McBride, officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at the Arkport Cemetery.

Those wishing may contribute in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Arkport, PO Box 6, Arkport, NY 14807. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences or remembrances of Helen are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.