Irene was born in Norwich, New York on July 26, 1928. She grew up in Poolville, NY until the age of 10 when, after the sudden passing of her mother, she and her 3 younger siblings were moved to the Masonic Home for orphaned children in Utica, NY. Although this was a traumatic experience for Irene, the Home was where she later met the love of her life and husband, William “Moose” Clark—the son of the Home’s physician and superintendent.
Irene graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1950 with a degree in Mathematics and went to work in Washington, DC for two years before becoming a high school math teacher in East Aurora, NY and then Utica, NY when she and Moose became engaged. Moose was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean War—forcing them to communicate via letters for two years—but were finally married in Utica, NY on October 13, 1956 following his honorable discharge. Eventually, they moved to Lockport, NY where Irene taught high school math and attended graduate school at Buffalo State College. She retired from Lockport High School in 1988.
Irene was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to keep busy and enjoyed sewing, quilting, working in her garden, walking, and spending her retired winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Irene and Moose were married 60 years before his passing on July 24, 2017. Irene is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine & Scott Lyon of East Lansing, MI, and Diane & John Hannon of Clemson, SC; her grandchildren, Jay Lyon, Katie Lyon, Jake (& Rebecca) Hannon, Luke (& Lindsey) Hannon, and Caleb Hannon; her great-grandchildren, Grace, Daniel and Gabriella Hannon; her sister, Dorothy (& Jack) of Sleepy Hollow, NY, two sisters-in-law, Marilyn (& Fred) Dunlap of Hamilton, NY and Diane (& Earl) Duck of San Antonio TX; several nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. Irene is predeceased by one sister, Marion Pentek, and one brother, Lynn Stanton.
Although we have suffered a tremendous loss, we rejoice in her gain. Knowing her faith has made it easier on all of us who now experience the deep, deep pain of loss but the security and joy of knowing she is now at home and at peace with Jesus and her beloved husband and unborn son! We are grateful to you, dear Mom, for your life of love, generosity and devotion to all of us. You are forever in our hearts!
There will be no services, only a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org
The families of Elaine & Scott Lyon and Diane & John Hannon wish to thank McLaren Hospice and especially the amazing and dedicated staff at the Legacy - The Willows of East Lansing
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Clark family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18