Joann Mae Clark Obituary
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our mother Joann Mae Clark, who after a long illness has gone to be with the Lord. Joann died on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at her care facility in Milwaukie, Oregon. She was 84 years of age. Joann’s greatest joy was her family who were lovingly by her side in her final days. Joann loved to play numerous games, but one of her favorites was playing a game called Aggravation on a board her brother Frank made. The family frequently came together at her house, which was the hub of love, fun and togetherness. We will miss this the most. During Joann’s life, she was involved in many activities. She had a passion for children and often showed that by leading her daughter’s Campfire group, babysitting, or teaching Sunday school which she taught for years. Joann was lovingly referred to as “Grandma Teacher” by her first grandchild Rieanna. Her love for children later in life lead her to becoming a full-time nanny. As a nanny, she traveled to New Jersey and Texas, before returning to Oregon 5 years later. In addition to her devotion to child care, Joann was extremely artistic. Her artistic gifts began when she was young girl. Most days she was found carrying a pencil with her everywhere. She loved to doodle and could draw or sketch anything and make it beautiful. Joann also had a passion for painting and even painted her children’s black and white portraits, which looked professional. Another passion she had were her beautiful rock gardens. Rock gardening was a challenge to make the front or back yards as beautiful as possible. She worked for hours creating rock walls, then meticulously placing flowers in between rocks. Her rock gardens were the envy of the neighborhood who loved her work. Joann also loved to work on various crossword puzzles and even mastered the Rubik’s cube. At her church she was very involved where she taught Sunday school or did baby sitting in the nursery. Joann helped found her church as well.
Joann was born in Hoquiam Washington, to parents Alice Sara Page and John Howard Clark. She was the eldest of five children, sisters Jane Bockwinkel, Bonnie Nelson, brother Johnny Clark, and proceeded in death by brother Frank Clark. Joann is survived by four children, daughter Jo Marie Garibaldi, sons Monty Schroeder, Mark Schroeder, Brad Schroeder and step-children, Bette Lou Sloane, Karen Lee Scott and Bill Schroeder who passed away earlier this year. Joann had 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and numerous step grandchildren and great step grandchildren.
Memorial services will be on December 15th, 2018 at 1:00p.m, in the Milwaukie Christian Church, 5197 SE King Road, Milwaukie, OR 97222. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
