March 25, 1952 – February 4, 2023
Darleen Ruth (Doucette) Clark , born on March 25, 1952, in Winchester, Massachusetts, died on February 4, 2023, under hospice care in Orlando, FL, surrounded by her beloved daughters who promised a “parade in her honor” when she arrived to heaven.
Darleen’s greatest gifts were the friends she accumulated from every phase of her life. In high school, she attended Reading Memorial High School, where she was a cheerleader who perfected the ever-popular cheer, “sittin’ on a bandstand.” Upon graduation, she worked in a variety of clerical positions … she was the coworker everyone wanted, always doing more than her fair share, and the nicest voice you could ever hope to hear on the other end of the phone.
On April 15, 1972, Darleen married Wayne Dennis Clark of Lynn, Massachusetts, eventually moving to Florida for his career, then ultimately to Gwinnett County, GA, where they had two children and a life filled with ups, downs, and countless memories. Her husband died in 1993 unexpectedly, leaving her to raise two teenage daughters on her own. She rose to the challenge in every way, taking on full-time work – with many years spent at Georgia Urology – so she could provide them with all the opportunities she thought they deserved.
The daughter of Frank and Gloria (Toussaint) Doucette, Darleen is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne (deceased April 1, 1993); and most recently, her close cousin Dennis Carl Curran (deceased January 4, 2023) and one of her best friends, Beth Barnes (deceased June 14, 2022). She is survived by her sister-in-law, Maureen Murray, and her daughters: Darcy Clark of Windermere, Florida, and Betsy Crowe of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, along with their husbands and children: Willis Dorden, Clover Dorden, and Lincoln Dorden and Graeme Crowe, Harper Crowe, Kennedy Crowe, and Tucker Crowe.
Darleen taught her girls to order water at the restaurant so they could save for trips to Europe. She bought them matching pajamas at Christmas, delivered by the “Pajama Man” – a holiday tradition like no other. She was always up for an impromptu road trip. She looked forward to “lap laps” (code word for “ice cream,” though we’re not sure why) when she wanted a treat. She could spend hours shopping (often at Belk) only to buy one shirt (always on sale) that she would likely end up returning later. She had a closet full of neutral-colored clothing, (100% cotton, please!) but was undoubtedly the most colorful personality in all the rooms she entered. In many circles, she was famous for taking home everyone else’s leftovers. She didn’t drink often, but when she did, her drink of choice was a tiny, single-serving bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, or, for an extra special occasion, a Tom Collins. Darleen treasured her long-standing dinner club group, was an avid reader and had a blast appearing as an “extra” in popular shows such as “Ozark.”
She loved a good grilled cheese. Made the best homemade greeting cards. Never paid full price. Adored her friends. Cherished her family. Lit up the room. Couldn’t pass up Ruffles potato chips or M&Ms. always brought the best “suitcase presents.” She was an optimist who made the most of every situation. No matter what life threw at her, she kept her sense of humor and always made do with what she had. She was so funny – sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. Darleen was everyone’s favorite friend. She was the best mother. She relished being “Mimi” to her grandkids. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, and while our earthly world will never be the same, the parades in the Promised Land have never been better!
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Lilburn, Ga. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that you please consider a memorial donation to the National Scleroderma Foundation 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 0196, or to the Thanks Mom and Dad Fund, thanksmomanddadfund.org/ in memory of Darleen Clark.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.
