Clarke, Elisa Mary
Elisa Mary Clarke, 57, died peacefully in hospice on Thursday, December 23, in Naples, Florida, after suffering a series of strokes. Born in Manhattan, Elisa grew up in Haverstraw, NY, where she attended St. Peter’s School, North Rockland High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College. She was an incredible fighter throughout her life, and an inspiration to all who knew her. Despite a malignant childhood brain tumor and resulting disabilities, Elisa was determined to live a full and independent life - and she did. She secured two master’s degrees, lived in New York City for more than 20 years, had a thriving group of dedicated friends, traveled extensively - including to Ireland and Turkey with her best friend, Ruthie - and, among many other accomplishments, fulfilled her lifelong dream of teaching. Most of all, she was an active
and generous aunt to her nine nieces and nephews, a dedicated daughter to her mother and a much loved and respected sister to her five siblings. Elisa loved to laugh, keep the family calendar, watch Hallmark movies and HGTV, and make everyone she knew – and even those she
didn’t - her famous Irish soda bread. To quote her favorite Christmas movie, in spite of it all, Elisa really did have a wonderful life. Her faith never failed her, and while we will miss her every day, we are comforted in knowing she is perfect in heaven with her father, Peter, her brother, Peter, her beloved aunts, and all the uncles, grandparents, relatives and friends who have welcomed her into their angelic ranks. Elisa is survived by her mother, Ellen, her sisters, Ellen, Joanne and Mary Pat; her brother, Michael; brothers-in-law, KC, Brad and Hal; sisters-in-law, Carla and Lori; nieces, Ali; Sam; Gabby; Noelle; Bridget; Charlotte and Michal, and nephews, Harry and Kevin. A small private burial
will be held by the immediate family, to be followed by a memorial celebrating Elisa’s life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Elisa’s life can be directed to Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, in
Tarrytown, NY at hudson.wish.org/donate. May Elisa watch over us always, and may she rest in peace.