I, Mary ("Mamie" to the grandchildren) Jane Kuhlemeyer Clark went to be with God above and my friends and family who have gone before on Saturday, July 11, 2020.  My death was due to cancer.

I was born in Freeport, IL on January 14, 1950, and lived in Pearl City, IL. I married Clifford Charles Clark in 1972 in Pearl City, and moved to New Orleans. Our daughters were born there, and New Orleans held a special place in my heart. The rest of my life I spent in Centennial, CO and loved every minute. Especially the blizzards and the blue sky, sometimes simultaneously.

My beloved husband is Clifford C. Clark. Without him, I would only be half of who I wanted to be. He spoiled me! While I was sick, I was his priority over all else. Our precious daughters of whom we are immensely pleased and who brought us great pleasure, along with their husbands and children, are Jessica Roe (husband is Gates), Ann Marie Clark, and Erin Zahradka (husband is Paul). Match last names to those of the parents, and here are the grandchildren with whom I shared a maturity level: Clark and Scarlett Roe, Madilynne, Asher, and Gavin Foonberg, and Stella and Duncan Zahradka. I have an older sister, Molly (Ron) Clemons, who was a gift. I have eight wonderful cousins I valued with all my heart and friends I truly love.

My parents were the best parents in the world, and they were Virginia (Mitchell) and Eugene B. Kuhlemeyer of Pearl City, IL. I hope I emulated them in traditions and love.  For me they sacrificed vacations and comforts, and because of their sacrifices and support, I was able to graduate with two degrees.

Aunts, uncles, and grandparents made every day meaningful to me. Their doors were always open to us or else we knew where their key was hidden. Their love was always apparent.

I had the pleasure of teaching for many years. It was truly a gift to teach.

My love for others - and because I did my best to stay in touch with those I love - I ask for a no-funeral farewell. No need to gather as we have gathered often in our own way.  There will be a private graveside burial ceremony for family and local friends in Pearl City, IL. In lieu of a funeral, please pick a day of your choosing every year to remember me and spend the day with those you love.

Please consider: Sitting on a porch swing with the one you love. Ride a horse and smile the entire time.  Play bridge.  Euchre is good, too. Help a student with homework. Do not eat peas, drink milk, or eat gravy on that day, as I never ate those things. Buy tickets for you and one you love for the vacation of your dreams. Smile. Make a card for someone and say a prayer for the person to whom it goes before sealing the envelope. Organize something to look forward to doing with friends. Read. Make someone laugh. Tell your children and grandchildren that you love them. Don't clean today. Or tomorrow, for that matter. Plant a tree. Give someone garden flowers. Get a hairstyle that requires NO time to do each day. Thank a veteran and put a wreath on the grave of a veteran, please. Do it for Christmas if not now. Or both. Vote.

Above all, say a prayer to thank God for your life and your loved ones, and for His blessings.

If you would like to give in my name, consider a contribution to St. John's Lutheran Church in Pearl City, IL, where I've been a member since birth, at 229 S 1st St, Pearl City, IL 61062.  St. John's is the church that taught me Christ's love and how to accept all religions.  Another contribution choice is the Pearl City School Foundation, CLASS OF 1968 High School Scholarship Fund (#8154432725), C/O State Bank of Pearl City, 215 S. Main Street, Pearl City, IL 61062. Pearl City is family. I love my family, so contributions should only go to one of these.

Hug my husband and daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren for me since they were my life and I hugged them. Feel free to call them at inconvenient times and forget why you called, since they will certainly miss that from me now!!!

Thank God for the most wonderful life I had!

Thank-you.

With Love,

~Mary