Marilyn C. Clark, 79, of Damariscotta, died Jan. 6 after a long illness. Born in Portland on Dec. 23, 1935, she was the daughter of Philip F. and Bernice (Chapman) Clark.
In 1954, Marilyn graduated from Deering High School, where she played the oboe in the orchestra. She also performed with the Portland Junior Symphony. In 1958, Marilyn graduated from Colby College in Waterville with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.
On June 21, 1958 she married Donald Clark, the son of Haddon and Eleanor Clark of Portland, and settled in Cape Elizabeth. In 1967 they moved to Gray where they began a 40-year restoration of a 200-year-old landmark brick home and barn. Donald and Marilyn were active in church and the community, where Marilyn served on the local school board and worked at the Gray News.
In the early 70s, Marilyn’s life was made new by the beginning of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This transformed her passions for art, floral design, quilt-making, baking, organic gardening, and creating beauty for others as she sought to serve the Heavenly Father she came to love. Along with her husband, she was a founding member of Windham Assembly of God and Windham Christian Academy, where she both taught school and served as church treasurer for many years. Marilyn was known for her kind and gentle spirit, and was well-loved by her many friends in the Gray and Windham area. She also took great joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
After 45 years of life in Gray, Don and Marilyn moved to Damariscotta to be closer to family, and where she could be more easily cared for by Don as her condition (OPCA – a cerebellar disorder, affecting all muscle control) worsened. Even in the face of continued decline with her disease during the last 10 years, she inspired others with her infectious laughter, her acceptance of her circumstances, and the peace and grace that God gave her.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Donald Clark of Damariscotta; and brother, Philip F. Clark Jr. of Cape Elizabeth.
Marilyn is survived by sister, Adora Clark Hill and husband Thomas A. Hill of Freeport; sons, Roy Allen Clark and wife Maria Manos Clark of Otisfield, and Michael Hutchins Clark, MD and wife Rebecca Erde Clark of Newcastle; daughter, Karen Clark Newhook of Pocono Summit, Penn.; as well as 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held from 3-5 p.m., Sat., Jan. 10 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sun., January 11 at the Lincoln County Assembly of God, 672 Main St., Damariscotta.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
