(12/16/12) Coventry- Lynda M. (Cook) Clarke, 60, surrounded by loved ones passed away Friday, December 14, 2012 at Kent County Hospital in Warwick. She was the beloved wife of Gary R. Clarke, Sr. with whom she celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on November 27, 2012.
Born in Providence, the daughter of the late Herbert and Edna (O’Hara) Cook, she resided in Coventry for 28 years. Lynda worked for the Coventry School Department at the high school from 1986-2004. She worked as a teacher assistant and was very devoted to her students.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her two daughters Kerri-Lynne A. Gierhart and Kelli A. Clarke, both of Coventry and her son Gary Clarke Jr. and his wife Jennifer of West Warwick. She was reunited with her beloved son, the late Kent A. Clarke. She also leaves her sister Eileen Johnson of West Warwick, her eight grandchildren: Cory, William, Alexander and Ryan Gierhart, Gavin & Gabriella DiFranco, Hailee and Mason Clarke and her four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters Muriel Greene, Dorothy Pellerin, Helen Opito and Edna Wayss and her brother William
F. Cook.
Lynda is described by her family and friends as a strong, loving and amazing woman. She was the matriarch of her family. Lynda was a nurturer; she had an open door policy and all family and friends would come to Lynda’s door. As her kids and even grandkids were growing up, all the neighborhood children would find comfort at the Clarke household. Many describe Lynda as their second mom. Family and friends enjoyed Lynda’s company as well as her good cooking. She was the “go-to” person for everyone to call to see what was going on. Lynda played many roles in many peoples lives; she would be the first one to call and wake you in the morning and the last one to call just to say goodnight, god bless, love you, sleep tight. Lynda showed unconditional love and support to many throughout her life time. She loved greatly, cherished her family especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren . Words that Lynda lived by were “Just Believe”.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 at 11:00 am from Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm in St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick, RI. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, in East Providence. The family requests memorial donations sent to St. Jude Children\'s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Information and condolences at carpenterjenks.com.
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