Norma Lee (Barb) Clark died on May 7 at her home on Whidbey Island. She led a rich life filled with a love for the arts, nature, gardening, fine cuisine and close friends and family.
Norma grew up in Palisades, Wash., and, as a kid, liked to explore and hike in the nearby canyons of the Moses Coulee. She was an avid reader and eternal learner, active in 4H and the arts. One of 15 students in the local two-room schoolhouse she went on to attend high school in Wenatchee. While attending Wenatchee Valley College, she spent her summers as a fire lookout on Tyee and Sugarloaf Mountains in the Entiat National Forest. Her schooling then took her to the UW in Seattle where, as a hostess at Teagle’s Restaurant, she met her future husband, Chuck Clark, a regular at the restaurant. After a brief courtship they married, traveling from California to Iowa, wherever Chuck’s career took them, and created lasting friendships in every place they lived. They had four beautiful children to whom Norma passed down her appreciation for the arts, nature and cooking. After her children were grown, Norma finished her college degree and began her career at Seattle City Light, retiring in 2000. She found her new home on Whidbey Island and quickly embraced island life, enjoying the vibrant local arts community. An active member of the Weaver’s Guild, Norma forged friendships with the many people who were part of her life on the island.
Norma was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be remembered for her strong will, laughter, intellect, exceptional cooking abilities and love for nature, art and life.
Norma was predeceased by her husband, Chuck, and son, Brian. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah (Elayne), Anne (Hugh), and Elizabeth (Philip), grandchildren (Grace, Lily, Isabel, Eva, Madeline & Simone), as well as an abundance of lifelong friends.
Her family is grateful to Clyde for the loving care he provided Norma, especially during her illness in her last few months of life.
The family asks that donations or remembrances be made to:
Heifer International (1 World Ave, Little Rock AK 72202) or Ryan’s House (19777 SR 20, Coupeville WA 98239)
