Mary Jo Clark

Mary Jo Clark was born in Bozeman, Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Capt. George A. Jahant, US Army; and Irby Crawford Jahant, and her older siblings, George Jahant, Jr., Angela Alderson, and Paul Jahant. Mary Jo is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Lyle M. Clark; by her children, Lyle M. (Skip) Clark, Jr. (Pat), Dean G. Clark (Susan), and Victoria L. Carlson (David); by seven grandchildren; and by five great-grandchildren.

In 1943 she graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle. She then enrolled in the University of Washington. Mary Jo accepted an invitation to join the Delta Gamma sorority, where she developed many lifelong friendships. She met Lyle Clark not long after Lyle returned to the university after serving in the Army during World War II. They were married on June 24, 1946. Mary Jo later dropped out of college halfway through her junior year and worked as a medical secretary so Lyle could complete his degree. Lyle and Mary Jo co-founded Clark Stationery Co. in 1950, which later became Clark Office Products, Inc., a mainstay of Lake City’s business community for several decades. She continued working there part-time until their third child, Vicki, was born in 1956.

She was an avid volunteer for several organizations, including PTA, Ryther Child Center, the Washington Park Arboretum Foundation, and the Seattle Milk Fund. Mary Jo’s passions included gardening, skiing, boating, golfing, reading, cooking, entertaining, and being with her many close friends. Above all, though, was her love and support for her husband and family.

A memorial service will be held at Emerald Heights Retirement Community, 10901 176th Circle NE, Redmond, WA 98052, on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ryther Child Center.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the Clark family.