Obituary: Ruth Ellen Clarke of East Haven

Information and photo via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Ruth Ellen Clarke of East Haven died peacefully Monday, December 17, 2018 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a long battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Peter L. Clarke. Ruth was born February 29, 1948 in Lowell, MA, daughter of the late William N. and Natalie Allen Lavoie. Graduate of the University of Bridgeport Nursing Program and later earning a Masters in Public Health from the University of New Haven, she was a dedicated registered nurse and Care Coordinator for the Hospital of St. Raphael, The Visiting Nurses Association and Yale-New Haven Hospital for many years until recently retiring.

Ruth is survived by her family and many close friends: her daughters, Nicole (Timothy) Gilson and Sarah Clarke (Andrew Dietz) both of East Haven; her grandchildren, Liam Gilson, Caleb and Madeleine Dietz, her six brothers and sisters, William (Norma) Lavoie, Janice Young, Suzanne Stevens, Richard Lavoie, Valarie (William) Busby and David (Carol) Lavoie, her Aunt, Patricia Grugnale, many beloved nieces and nephews, lifetime friends Nancy and Clifford Scheinkman and her wonderful book club ladies. She was a model of grace and dignity, always one to find the positive in everyone and everything. Her strength and resilience will leave a lasting impression on those who love her.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Friday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street Branford. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Ruth Clarke, please visit our Tribute Store.