- Date Of Birth: December 11, 1937
- Date Of Death: April 15, 2015
- State: Idaho
We celebrate the life of Helen E. Clark, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and loving friend ~ Our Irish Queen! She passed away peacefully in her home on April 15, 2015 with love all around, leaving a legacy of family and friends who miss her greatly!
Helen was born to Ruth and John B. Gregory, Sr. on December 11, 1937 in Wallace, Idaho, a blessing our grandparents didn’t think they would receive, Helen being eight years younger than her brother John “Jack” Gregory, Jr. She was ambitious and loved life participating in the town parade, a cheerleader, and assistant editor to the school newspaper, went to Girl’s State, as well as sang in the choir – stated as being the “Girl with the Golden voice”. She continued her love of music at the University of Idaho as a member of the University singers and later passing the love of music to her children. She gathered us around and played the piano while we sang as a family.
While attending the University of Idaho, she would achieve her Bachelor of Science of Education, with a minor in Psychology and emphasis in music.
In 1958, she would marry Merlyn Clark and in 1959, their first daughter Debeney was born. She would have 3 more angels, all in heaven, before bringing home her 5th, Valerie, and finally her little prince, son Doug.
She was a teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes in Northern Idaho. Later, she would divorce and move to Boise where she taught, working with students at North Jr. High, Lincoln School on Fort , Amity Elementary, Borah High, West Junior High and before retirement at Mountain Cove. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Idaho Special Olympics as children have always been her passion.
An ambitious lady, during her life she was a member of the J.C.’s, Business and Professional Women, IEA, NEA, Eagles, Past President of the following: The Holiday Parade Assoc., the Centennial Art Assoc.
Upon retiring, she was in a local garden club, volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Assoc., honorary charm for her son’s local baseball team Touchem’ All 208, traveled with close friend Lola Toll, or with her grandchildren collecting shells on the beach, playing games at Pojo’s, at bingo or gardening, having surplus to share with loved ones.
Helen’s true pride was her children and later, grandchildren. When small, the three of us would pile on her bed in a group hug and announce for the entire world to hear “OURRRR FAMILY!” while singing songs like “A Bushel and a Peck”. Her love of celebration carried over to her 4th of July picnic, a tradition for over 40 years where all who joined in would never leave hungry, even passing strangers.
Our Mom will be greatly missed from the twinkle in her eyes, her contagious laughter, the sparkle in her smile, and one-liner whit with Irish mischief.
Helen is survived by her children: Daughter Debeney McEwan of Costa Mesa, CA (grandchildren, Ian “Lucky Star” and Lynsey “Belle”), son Doug Clark (Jodi) of Meridian, Idaho (grandchildren, Braxton “Champion of her heart” and Damarah “Irish Rosebud”), daughter Valerie Clark of Boise, Idaho; caregiver, Richard LeFavour of Boise, Idaho; Sister, Alice Barlow of Des Moines, Iowa; cousins; nieces and nephews; and numerous special friends as our mother did not known a stranger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and John B. Gregory, Sr.; Brother John “Jack “Gregory, Jr.; and three babies.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and staff at Horizon Healthcare: Amy, Kim, Joyce, Justina, Darren, Katie, Roselee, Lisa and Dana and many more for the compassion and loving care over the last two years for our mother and family!
