Obituary of Thelma Maria Clark

Thelma Maria (Mellow) Clark, 98, lovingly known as (Tess) entered into eternal rest in Newark, DE on January 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on June 22, 1925, in Bridgeport, CT to Benjamin Vaz and Gwendolin (Edwards) Mellow. She was educated in the Bridgeport Catholic School system; and graduated from Central High School in Bridgeport, CT.  She and David Clark were married on June 21, 1947, at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport, CT.

Later in life she attended the University of Bridgeport, CT, and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1979. She was employed at Bridgeport Hospital in the NICU for 30 years, until retiring in 1993 and moving to North Port, FL with her husband David.

Thelma was the oldest of nine children, she will be remembered for her distinguished career as a NICU nurse, always providing her children with positive encouragement, a strong sense of independence, an infectious smile, a calming voice, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

An avid crafter, her ability to make the most beautiful special occasion cards on her computer, weekly bingo player, crossword solver, and mostly loved to cook for her family, she was an active member of San Pedro Catholic Church, North Port, FL, and Ladies Guild. She will be remembered for making place cards and tickets for various church group functions.

Thelma is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, David Clark, Sr; her sisters Anna Mellow and Doris Mellow, brothers Joseph Mellow (Lousia), Alfred Mellow, Benjamin Mellow (Mary), Sister-in-law Mary Mellow, Stepdaughter Willie Ruth Woolfolk.

She is survived by her children David A. (Saundra) Clark., of Newark, Delaware; Valorie L. Clark, Bridgeport, CT; Eugene R. Clark, Schenectady, NY; Melanie B. Clark-Straughter (Walter), Bronx, NY

 Several grandchildren including Lateef R. Clark, Schenectady, NY; Eric D. Clark and Brandon B. Clark both of Newark, Delaware; Tausha Johnson-Alexander of Georgia, and Teric Clark of Bridgeport, CT. Thelma is also survived by her loving brothers Earl Mellow, Sr, Las Vegas, NV; Leo (Leah) Mellow, South Carolina, and Micheal (Gail) Mellow of Bridgeport, CT and a host of Great Grandchildren, and great great grandchildren and loving three godsons.

A visitation will be held from 4 PM-7 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Farley Funeral Home, 5900 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port, FL 34287. A mass will be held at 10 AM on Friday, January 26, 2024, at San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287, with a graveside service to follow at Venice Memorial Gardens, 1950 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292.