Patsy Norberg Clark

Born on January 25, 1935, Patsy grew up in San Diego, where she learned the values of family, generosity, and hard work from her parents, Tom and Amy Norberg. She adored her older brother Jack, and the two shared a happy childhood, with Patsy tagging along as often as she could. The family home was always open to friends and relatives, and Patsy enjoyed close ties with many aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived nearby. Inspired by her mother, Patsy developed into a skilled seamstress, cook, and hostess, later sharing these gifts with her own friends and family.

Patsy always enjoyed school and after-school activities, including summer theater productions and figure skating. She learned to skate at age 11, eventually teaching classes to young children and entering competitions. After graduating from high school in San Diego, she attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she received a B.S. degree in Clothing and Textiles.

Patsy met her future husband, Aldon (Al), on a blind date arranged by his sister, Margaret (Peg), who was one of her best friends in high school. They married in San Diego in 1955. After brief stints in Los Angeles, Minnesota, San Francisco, and Alameda during Aldon’s physician training and service as a medical officer in the Navy, the two settled in Laguna Beach in 1962, where Al established a pediatric practice. There, they raised four children (Karen, Kenneth (Ken), Duane, and Eric) and developed friendships that would last their lifetime.

Patsy’s family and friends marveled at her ability to keep the household running smoothly while still being a fully present and involved mother and wife. She cooked delicious meals every day, made clothing for the entire family, chauffeured all four children to their extracurricular activities, attended their sports and after-school events, and counseled them when they needed advice. Somehow, she still found time to volunteer for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Ebell Club of Laguna Beach (a community service organization). After the children were off to college, she worked part-time in Aldon’s office for many years. Both Al and Patsy loved to travel and enjoyed sharing memorable vacations with each other, friends, and especially their family.

Patsy was an incredibly involved grandmother. She babysat her grandchildren often, attended their school activities and sports whenever she could, and took them on trips, doctor visits, and shopping expeditions. She infused warmth and love into every interaction.

Throughout her life, one of Patsy’s greatest passions was creating beautiful artwork through her skills in sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and various needlework techniques. She made needlepoint Christmas stockings for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as framed needlepoint and cross-stitch masterpieces. She made decorative pillows, quilted bedspreads and blankets, knitted sweaters, hats, and baby blankets, and sewed outfits for both everyday wear and special occasions, including drill team uniforms, Halloween costumes, and dresses for school dances. She also made a large collection of hand-painted porcelain dolls. Many of these treasures were lovingly gifted to family and friends and were true expressions of her creativity, devotion, and love.

After Al passed away in February 2024, Patsy remained in their special “house on the hill” in Laguna Beach and enjoyed regular visits from family and friends. In July 2025, as Patsy’s health rapidly declined, all of Patsy’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered for a family reunion in Laguna Beach to celebrate her beautiful life with Al and the positive impact they both had on everyone. Her family is grateful they had a chance to spend time with her, to honor her, and to say goodbye to her weeks before she passed.

Patsy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, as well as through the beautiful handiwork she leaves behind.

She was predeceased by her husband, Aldon Clark; her parents, Tom and Amy Norberg; and her brother, Jack Norberg.

She is survived by her four children: Karen (Brad) Baker, Ken (Debbie) Clark, Duane (Grace) Clark, and Eric (Jenny) Clark; 10 grandchildren: Jessica (Chris) Porter, David (Vanessa) Clark, Derrick (Naomi) Clark, Ashley (Chris) Clave, Stefani Baker,Robert (Genevieve) Clark, Scott (Alexandra) Clark, Katherine (Paul) Beck, Rachel Clark, and Ryan Clark; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to City of Hope or Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County. Per Patsy’s wishes, her family will be gathering privately to honor her.