Veronica Hyacinth Clarke

Veronica Hyacinth Clarke, lovingly known as Carmen, was born on January 25, 1944 in Chapelton, Clarendon, Jamaica West Indies. She was the daughter of Winifred Clarke and Ralph Gray, both natives of the beautiful island of Jamaica. Carmen went to live in Cuba at the age of 7 along with her grandmother and other family members. She resided there until the age of 23 when, in 1967, she migrated to the United States of America where she spent the rest of her life.

From a very early age, it was obvious to all that Carmen had a spunky and feisty personality. Though small in stature, she often stood up to those who bullied her siblings or family members. She was never one to back down from a good argument and could often be heard loud above the fray. She loved her family deeply and often went out of her way for them. In fact, her love for people in general prompted her to take up a career in Child Care where she spent many years lovingly caring for and protecting children of all ages. In her later years, she developed a fondness for knitting, putting together puzzles, and doing Fill-In

Crossword puzzle books. She will most be remembered for the kind, loving and passionate ways she demonstrated to everyone she met.

Veronica Hyacinth Clarke exited this world on February 4, 2016 at the age of 72. After a yearlong courageous fight with cancer, she peacefully fell asleep with family by her side at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center in East Hartford Connecticut. She leaves behind her oldest sister, Norma E Chin who resides in Florida, and 12 other siblings. She also leaves a number of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand nieces, great grand nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. She will be deeply missed by everyone who shared a part in her life.

Friends and family are invited to attend a period of visitation on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 6-8pm at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT 06108. Services with begin at 10:30am on Saturday February 13 followed immediately with a Celebration of Life Service at 11am all to take place at the funeral home. Burial will conclude services in Silver Lane Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com