Mary Taylor Clarke

Mary Catherine Simpson Taylor Clarke, 85, of Washington, CT entered into eternal rest peacefully on February 20, 2018 with her family by her side.  Mary was born on December 15, 1932 in Co. Roscommon, Ireland to her beloved mother and father, Mary Donovan and Edward Simpson.  There she grew up on a farm with her five siblings.

Her father, Edward, emigrated from Ireland to New Jersey and served in the U.S. Army during World War I.  After the war, he returned to Ireland with fond memories of America.  At 21 years old, encouraged by her father, Mary traveled alone on the S.S. America to New York Harbor with the hope of a more prosperous life.  Always a hard worker, Mary quickly took a job as a nanny in Providence, RI, and then met her beloved husband John Joseph Taylor at an Irish dance.  They married in 1957.  Together they then moved to Bucks County, PA where he became a caretaker and she a self-taught gourmet cook for Stanley and Florence Martineau.  They had two children Rosaleen Mary, born in 1958, and William Francis, born in 1959, and moved with the Martineau family to Washington, CT in 1965, which would become Mary’s home for the next 53 years.  

Mary lost her beloved husband John in 1980, and later married James Joseph Clarke of West Palm Beach, FL in 1993.  Together they loved traveling, dining out, and entertaining friends at their home.  Mary cherished her family voyages to Ireland, California, Bermuda and to countless other places.  She was a devoted and generous parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and a member of the Ladies Guild.  Her love and kindness extended beyond her family to her many dear and lasting friendships.

Upon becoming a grandmother in 1981, Mary became known as “Ma,” by all of her loved ones.  She exemplified love, strong work ethic, and devout faith.  Always a supportive listener, she frequently chatted over telephone or FaceTime with her grandchildren, providing guidance, sharing recipes, hearing about their life adventures, and promoting their Irish heritage.  Ma was a constant at every family event and loved to celebrate their accomplishments.  She took special joy in the addition of her great-grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her husband, James; sister Theresa Moran of Co. Roscommon, Ireland; daughter Rosaleen Taylor Meyer and son-in-law Edwin of South Windsor, CT; son William Francis Taylor and daughter-in-law Anne of Jacksonville Beach, Florida.  She is also survived by her stepsons, Michael and Susan Clarke, James Clarke Jr. and Svetlana Konratenko, and John Clarke; as well as her loving grandchildren Kelley and Larry Browning (Meyer); Sean and Meagan Meyer; Edwin Jr. and Kathryn Meyer; John Taylor and Mandy Feenaughty; Kevin and Quinn Meyer; Taylor Meyer and fiancé Patrick Burek; Ryan Taylor; Shannon Taylor; Michael Clarke; Matthew Clarke; Liam Clarke; Nathí Clarke; and her eight great-grandchildren: Desmond, Maeve, William, Roisin, Jolie, Grace, Rory, and Fionnuala. She will be remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the United States and Ireland.  Mary was predeceased by husband John Joseph Taylor of Co. Roscommon; sister Nora Simpson of Co. Roscommon; brother James Simpson of New York; brother Maurice Simpson of Co. Roscommon; and sister Bridie McGrath of Co. Roscommon.

Calling hours are being held at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St N, Southbury, CT on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 4-7pm.  Funeral services are being held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church, 34 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot at 11am.  Burial will be held at Washington Cemetery immediately following.

Not having had the opportunity herself, she was a firm believer in supporting those who wish to pursue an advanced education.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to the Washington Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 243, Washington Depot, CT 06794 or www.washscholarshipfund.org/support), a fund her children directly benefited from, and Mary supported annually.

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