Obituary of Helen Patricia Clark

Our favorite lady has passed on to the spirit world. She left this life just as she lived it, with her unselfish grace and dignity. Always the example of love kindness and strength for her family and friends, her passing leaves us with memories of a beautiful and loving woman. The love and respect her family and friends had for her could not be more evident than when more than 100 of them gathered at the family’s ranch in Chualar this past September to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Pat was born the youngest of four girls to Everett and Mary Rouse in Watsonville, California. She was raised on her parents small chicken ranch and farm on San Miguel road in North Monterey County. Pat attended the two room, Hall District Grammar School, with her older sister and best friend, Harriett. She was a 1950 graduate of Salinas High and finish her education at Hartnell College in Salinas.

Pat met her husband, Stanley James Clark Jr., in Big Sur, California, and they married in 1956 at the Carmel Mission. Pat and Stan raised two sons together, Scott and Daniel.

The sudden death of Stanley just prior to their 20th anniversary, and loss of her son, Daniel, in a tragic automobile accident, were truly an inspiring example of this wonderful woman’s love, strength and faith in family and God.

Pat lived in Pacific Grove since 1972 and worked for the Pacific Grove School districts bookkeeping office as fiscal director for 25 years. She was longtime volunteer for many of the peninsula's events including the AT&T ProAm, First Tee, and U.S. Open golf tournaments. Her time was also spent enjoying her many great-grandchildren’s athletic and school events, hosting family suppers in her home, attending events at the ranch with her dear nieces and nephews, and spending time with her friends Rachel, Monci, Betty, Dotty and her life-long friend Ray Hauschild.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Stanley and her son Daniel; along with her sisters, Beatrice Gordon, Gertrude Rochele and Harriett Ryan and longtime friend and companion Jack Ryan. 

Pat is survived by her son Scott Clark (Marlene), Granddaughters Ashleigh Simon (Oscar), Emily Lazzerini (Geno), Caitlin Perez (Gerry) and Grandson Sean Clark, along with 11 great-grandchildren.

The Clark family would like to thank Hospice of the Central Coast for their loving care during Pat’s brief illness. Please join the family on December 20th for a viewing from 3-5pm, followed by Catholic Rosary from 5-6pm at Mission Mortuary Monterey. There will be a Catholic mass on December 21st at 10am at San Carlos Cathedral followed by a graveside service at San Carlos Cemetery.