Obituary of Sally D. Clarke

Sally Davern Clarke of Duxbury, Massachusetts passed away on October 17, 2024. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1934, she was preceded in death by her husband John Harmon Clarke and her parents James Courtney and Mary Davern. 

Sally is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Sue of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; her son David and his wife Meg of Anna Maria Island, Florida; her daughter Sarah and her husband David Madigan of Duxbury, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. 

She graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Louisville, Kentucky and earned her associate’s degree from Ursuline College, Louisville, Kentucky. Married in 1955, Sally was a devoted wife who supported her husband’s career. She was the woman behind the man who never balked at moving for a better opportunity and her southern charm and quick reaction wit served both well as he climbed the corporate ladder. John faced many health battles and Sally was the ever-devoted caregiver through it all. She and John retired early and spent many happy years in Hilton Head, South Carolina before relocating to Duxbury to be near family. 

Sally found joy connecting with her grandchildren and great grandchildren whether it be in person, via phone or Facetime. She often remarked how incredible it was that she, an only child, had created such a large family.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at noon at Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Matthews, Kentucky. Internment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on November 24, 2024, at 9:00 am at Holy Family Church, Duxbury, Massachusetts.

The family is eternally grateful for the devoted friendship of Tia Ottani who helped to make her final years comfortable. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the University of Notre Dame for the “John and Sally Clarke Endowed Scholarship” and mailed to Donor Services, University of Notre Dame, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or to Volunteers in Medicine HHI, PO Box 23858, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925.