Helen Clarke

"Helen Clarke" IRON MOUNTAIN - Helen K. Clarke, 99, formerly of 501 West "B" St. Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 4, 2004 at Freeman's Convalescent Center in Kingsford. Helen was born June 21, 1905 in Fergus Falls, MN daughter of the late Charles and Katherine (Downey) Gates. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1924. Helen went on to attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and transferred to the National School of Education in Evanston, IL where she graduated in 1928. She then came to Iron Mountain and taught kindergarten in the public schools and later became the first lay teacher at St. Mary and St. Joseph's Catholic School where she worked until retiring in 1970. Helen married W. Frederick Clarke on October 7, 1933. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1969. She was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Pine Grove Country Club and was a past member of several clubs and organizations. Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. She is survived by two sons, William F. (Eve) Clarke II of Colorado and C. Thomas (Patricia) Clarke of Iron Mountain; daughter-in-law, Shirley Clarke of Iron Mountain; eight grandchildren, William F. Clarke III of Orlando, FL, Lynne (Leon) Sutherland of Traverse City, MI, Cathy (Craig) Anderson of Chicago, IL, Bob (Elizabeth) Clarke of Lynchburg, VA, Tom Clarke of Phoenix, AZ, Tara (David) Daavettila of Brighton, MI, Tiffany Clarke of Grand Rapids, MI and Tamara (Matthew) Nash of Iron Mountain; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Helen was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, a son, C. Robert Clarke, two brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Parish prayers will be recited at 6:00pm Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00am at St. Mary and St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary and St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Helen Clarke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Helen Clarke

September 4, 1905 - September 4, 2004