Dorothy H. Clark was born on April 5th, 1921 in her grandparent’s farmhouse in Manchester, Connecticut. She passed away at the age of 97 at her home in Rancho Bernardo, California on May 16th, 2018 with two of her four children with her.
As a young woman working as a civilian secretary at Windsor Locks Army Air Base (later named Bradley Field) she met her husband to be, 1st Lt. William C. Clark, a fighter pilot and future Air Force Colonel. Being a military wife required relocating frequently and Dorothy became accomplished at moving their household, and eventually four children, to and from numerous locations all over the country. In addition, she and her husband spent time on duty in Germany and England.
Dorothy’s first priority was always her children. But even so, she rose to the occasion as wife of a high-ranking officer especially during his assignment as Wing Commander at RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk, England, which required her to host events for visiting dignitaries and Air Force personnel which she did with the warmth, grace and elegance that was her hallmark.
After 33 years in the military she and her husband moved to Ft. Myers, Florida in 1968 where they built a house on the Caloosahatchee River and lived for many years. After his death Dorothy moved to Rancho Bernardo in 1990 to be near her two daughters living in California.
Dorothy enjoyed traveling, the arts (especially opera which she sang when she was young), participating in 339th Air Force reunions of which her husband was a member and growing African Violets. She was a charitable woman who was a long-time donor to many organizations that help
veterans and children in need, promote animal welfare and fight disease.
Dorothy had one older sister, Harriet Maclean, who died in 2012. She is survived by her son, William C. Clark, Jr, her daughters Gail C. Fleming, Joyce C. Eiswald and Maryanne C. Pfister, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was a kind and gentle woman who will be missed deeply.
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