Frances Clark

RICHFORD - Frances Jean Clark, 84, passed away Sunday April 11, 2010 quietly after a long struggle with Alzheimers / Dementia. She is now at peace with those loved ones who have gone before her.

She was born August 12, 1925, the daughter of Dr. Frank James Lawliss and Lillian (Parmalee) Lawliss. Frances attended and graduated from Richford High School and the University of Vermont (1946).

Many will remember Frances (Mrs. Clark) for her many years as an educator. She started her teaching career at Berkshire Elementary and switched to Richford High School shortly after. She taught at Richford for forty two years. For several of those years she was also assistant principal. For a long time you couldnt graduate from Richford without getting through one of her English classes. She had a deep concern for all students and made a special effort to help them complete their studies and graduate. She chaperoned many basketball games and school functions. Frances had a special way with even the toughest of the students. Well into her seventies she tutored those needing some extra help. Frances never stopped teaching.

In her earlier years she loved driving to Burlington for shopping and a meal and the more that rode along the merrier. Whether it was a trip throughout New England looking at historical sights or a station wagon loaded with family and friends heading to a UVM hockey game, Frances (mom) will be remembered as a great planner and organizer of family outings and events. Family members will also remember her enjoyment of the too numerous to name dogs, cats and tropical fish that were part of the family. Also remembered will be the sounds of the piano as Frances would often sit down and play in the late afternoon.

Frances met the love of her life and married Homer William Bud Clark on June 18, 1947 in Richford. Together they shared 61 years enjoying their five children and twelve grandchildren.

Frances is survived by her daughter Wendy and her husband Dan of Wilmington, Ohio; Four sons, Jerry and his wife Gina of St. Albans Bay, Brian of Richford, Frank and his wife Jeannie of Richford, Joel and his wife Christine of Swanton. 12 Grandchildren, Atlee of St. Petersburg, FL, Eric and Jenny of Tolland, CT, Christian of Orlando, FL, Jaxon and Gretchen of Franklin, KY, Toby of White House, TN, Koby, Hunter of Richford, Zachary, Chelsea, Noah, Jerad & Jordan of Swanton; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Mullen and her husband Norman.

Frances was predeceased by her parents Frank and Lillian Lawliss; her husband Homer Bud Clark; her sister Joanne-Marie; and her brother Charles.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff s of Franklin County Home Health Agency, Our Lady of the Meadows and Redstone Villa for their efforts making the last year and a half of her life as comfortable as it could be. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francess name can be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 or Richford Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 326, Richford, VT 05476. 05478.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, April 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Spears Funeral Home located on Main St. in Richford, VT. Funeral services will be held Friday April 16 at 11 am at the United Methodist Church on River Street in Richford with burial services immediately after at the Hillside Cemetery on the Golf Course Road, Richford, VT.