WESTFIELD – Rita Mary Clark, 97, of Westfield passed away on June 25, 2014 peacefully in her sleep with family by her side. Rita was an only child, born in 1916 in Millers Falls and grew up on her family farm in Easthampton, Massachusetts.
She married Arthur L. Clark, the boy next door, on September 3, 1934. They had four sons, Raymond A. Clark of Tampa, FL, Arthur J. Clark of Madeira Beach FL, James F. Clark of Westfield, MA, and the late Richard J. Clark of Chicopee, MA.
Rita left her family and moved to Westfield, with her husband in 1934. Their entrepreneurial proficiency in land development led several businesses to locate to Westfield including but not limited to American Hardware, Ampad/Meade and Lowes. One of the subdivisions they developed amorously bears the name, “Rita Mary Way” in her honor.
She and her loving husband Art celebrated their 72nd anniversary with family and friends before Arts passing in 2007. They were blessed with 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Rita and Art enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Otis, MA and their winter home in Tampa, FL, playing cards with family and friends. Many will deeply miss her. Rita was a loving wife, caring mother, and special grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
Her funeral will take place Thursday, July 3rd at 8:15 a.m. from the Robert E Cusack Funeral Home, 94 Main Street (Route 20), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. in St Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street, with burial to follow in St Mary’s cemetery, all in Westfield. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
