Margaret (Jean) (Howell) Clark

Died peacefully at home on Monday, January 29, 2018 in Bethel Park, PA at the age of 98.

Jean was born on August 23, 1919 in Whitaker, Pennsylvania, to Howell David Howell and Lucy Jackson Howell.  She grew up in Mingo Jct., Ohio, spending much time in Pittsburgh with her many cousins.

With her husband, Bob Clark, Jean lived many years in Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.  She was active in the Women’s Club and was instrumental in the establishment of the first public library in Upper St. Clair.  Jean was an avid reader, gardener, and creator of beauty.  Her creativity was expressed by:  becoming proficient in decoupage through studying with Hiram Manning; painting portraits, still lifes, and landscapes; making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for all the young children in her extended family; quilting and doing needlepoint; and, creating beautiful homes.  She was particularly proud of the years she spent coordinating a branch of ABC Quilts, an organization that donates quilts that extend comfort to at-risk babies.

Her love of nature and the outdoors was given its full expression in the years spent at “The Lake” in Farmington, Pennsylvania.  The off-the-beaten-path property, with its little lake and low-ceilinged cabin was the site of many walks through the woods, family reunions, and just sitting.  Yet another warm and welcoming place created by Jean, along with Bob. 

Jean is survived by her daughters, Diane Barker, of Tucson and Martha Clark, of Bethel Park; a sister, Catherine Howell O’Malley; three grandsons, Robert C. Barker, David F. Barker, and Jonathan H. Clark; daughters-in-law Mariana Barker and Ruth Clark; grandson Benjamin M. Clark; numerous dearly-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dr. David E. Howell, her son-in-law Franklyn A. Barker, and by her husband, Robert L. Clark.

A service of remembrance will be held in the future.  Donations may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh free care fund at  Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, One Children's Hospital Drive, Central Plant, Floor 3, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1342; https://www.givetochildrens.org/donate.   The family would like to thank Vitas Healthcare for their care and dedication.  

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