Maria Clarke (née Puglisi)
In Loving Memory of Maria Clarke:
With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Maria Clarke, who graced this world in 1937, in Italy. She departed this life peacefully, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love, wisdom, and devotion.
Born into a wonderful family, Maria nobly dedicated her life to supporting her loving husband and ensuring a stable family life. In 1958, she entered into matrimony with the love of her life, Jacques Burton Clarke of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in a splendid ceremony at the Vatican. Despite barely knowing each other before their marriage, their passion was undeniable and immediate. Their union, forged after only a few weeks of heartfelt communication through interpreters, was a testament to true love and partnership. For each, the other fulfilled their deepest aspirations, and they maintained this unshakable adoration throughout their lives, carving out existences grounded in pure love. Their relationship was characterized by an adventurous spirit and a shared ardor for family, culture, and intellectual enrichment.
Maria was a devoted wife to Jacques until his passing in September 2014. Together, they created a home replete with love, cultural richness, and an unwavering commitment to family. She was the beloved mother of Marco (Irene) Clarke of Oakville; Andrea (Laura) Clarke of Kitchener-Waterloo; Roy (Laurie) Clarke of Kitchener-Waterloo; Alan (Patricia) Clarke of Houston, Texas; Warren (Pansa) Clarke of Tucson, Arizona; and Simona (Lamont) Brown of Bowmanville. A proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, all of whom are spread across Canada and the USA. Her children remember her as a paragon of selfless devotion, an insatiable reader, and an exceptional cook. Through her and Jacques's example, they were given a beautiful blueprint of a happy marriage to emulate.
Maria and Jacques were not merely best friends or lovers but true partners in marriage and in intellectual pursuits, both being self-taught intellectuals who enriched the lives of those around them. Their home was a modest sanctuary of learning, love, and independence, where they embodied the essence of family and stability.
As we bid farewell, we find solace in the knowledge that Maria has been reunited with her beloved Jacques, whom she adored for 56 years. Her memory will indelibly remain in the hearts of her children, who will continue to honor her legacy of love, devotion, and cultural appreciation.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.
Rest in peace, dear mother. Your love, wisdom, and legacy will forever reside in our hearts, guiding us in every step of our lives.
Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Maria’s obituary notice on Facebook.