Countian celebrates 100 years with activity and ‘a good sense of humor’

TINICUM » Mrs. Isabell T. Clarke of Essington will celebrate her 100th birthday this weekend at a private party with family and friends. Born Isabella Tennessee Fisher on Aug. 10, 1917, to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fisher Sr. of Pennsville, N.J., she was a welcome addition to a struggling family who earned a living fishing along the Atlantic Shores.

The Fisher family worked in the fishing industry and like many families of the times struggled to make ends meet during the great depression of 1929. Ms. Fisher would later marry Bill Pubanz Sr. of Upper Darby and Harry Renshaw Sr. of Lester before marrying the late Bob Clarke Sr. of Essington in 1968.

Her brother, Harry Fisher Jr., 98, of Salisbury, Md. will soon join his older sister in 2019 as the second centenarian in the Fisher family. Mrs. Clarke’s other siblings include brother Stewart Fisher (Florine) of Loveland, Ohio (deceased), and one sister, Peggy Bloome (Sid) of Glenolden (deceased).

She also has two daughters, Anna Mae Swenson of Holiday, Fla. and Berri Shutt, who resides with and cares for Mrs. Clarke; two sons, Billy Pubanz, Jr. (Winnie) of Lester (deceased) and Harry Renshaw Jr. (Kathy) of Claymont, Del. (deceased); three stepsons, Bob Clarke Jr. (Norka) of Manassas, Va., Bill Clarke (Cheryl) of Glen Mills and Harry Clarke (Peggy) of Foley, Ala., and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Mrs. Clarke’s thoughts on longevity are “staying active and having a good sense of humor is the secret to a long and wonderful life.

Isabelle Clarke was born to a fishing family in Salem County, N.J.

Isabelle Clarke later settled in Tinicum Township, first in Lester and then in Essington.

Isabelle Clarke now great-greatgrandchildren in Delaware County and throughout the country.