Phyllis Straub Clark

Born in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, home of Straub Beer, Phyllis was the only child of Gerard and Philomena Straub. At the age of five, Phyllis’ father passed away, and the extended Straub Family of cousins, uncles, and aunts helped raise her and keep her safe. This joyous upbringing fostered her immense love for family and community, a guiding force throughout her life.

A bright and diligent student, Phyllis graduated as valedictorian of St. Mary’s High School—a reflection of the intelligence, discipline, and quiet strength that would shape the rest of her professional journey. Phyllis moved to Washington, DC shortly thereafter and attended Trinity College (then an all-girls college) and graduated at the top of her class with a double major in biology and chemistry. From there, she attended nursing school at Georgetown, once again graduating with honors, and went on to excel in a long career as a medical technician.

A few years after joining the Catholic Club of Washington, DC, she met Reed Paige Clark, her soon-to-be husband of sixty-four years, and they went on to build a loving home and raise five children. It was through her children that Phyllis found her true calling. Her greatest joy was her family, and she lived each day with deep devotion to those she loved.

She is survived by her husband, Reed Paige Clark, and by her five children and their spouses:

· Bill Clark and his wife, Michele

· Jerry Clark and his wife, Diane

· Jeanne Baxter and her husband, Jim

· Steve Clark, and his wife, Maricy

· Rob Clark and his wife, Jen

Known affectionately as “Nanny”, Phyllis was also a proud grandmother and is survived by her 17 beloved grandchildren: DJ, Jack, Caroline, Katie, Sean, Kevin, Justin, Riley, Lille, Courtney, Natalee, Julia, Stephen Daniel, Cassidy, Connor, Tommy, and Luke. She also is survived by one great-grandchild, Rachel Clark, whose arrival brought her immense joy in her later years.

A woman of deep faith, quiet resilience, and endless compassion, Phyllis led by example. She lived her belief that “motherhood never ends”—always ready with a listening ear, a warm meal, or a gentle word of encouragement. She celebrated life’s small moments, nurtured those around her without expectation, and offered love that was steady, simple, and true.

Phyllis’s life was a living embodiment of generosity. Like the tree in Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, she gave of herself freely and without hesitation—offering strength, comfort, and unconditional love throughout her 94 beautiful years. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she raised, and the quiet impact of her daily grace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington, DC at 11am on Thursday, July 31st, followed by a reception at Columbia Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis Clark’s memory may be made to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, where she generously donated her time: Donation Page - Animal Rescue League of NH: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/603315/donate

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them with prayers, love, and remembrance during this time.

May her light, a force of good in this world, continue to guide us.