Luella (Gerry) Clarke
1927-2015
Luella "Gerry" (Ryder) Clarke (88) of New Canaan and of the past 11 years Petitcodiac, passed away at the Kenneth E. Spencer Home on Monday August 31, 2015.
Born in Salem, NB, she was the daughter of the late Garfield and Bessie (O’Neill) Ryder. As a young teenage woman, she worked in Fredericton at the Willett Fruit Company and The Hartt Boot and Shoe Factory. She married the late Myron V Clarke (Dec 24, 2005) on June 26, 1948 and worked side by side with him on the small farm and with his milk truck business. She volunteered countless hours to the New Canaan Baptist Church in various ways. Mostly, providing cooking, decorating the church for special events and playing the piano for church services.
She was very talented musically, picking up the playing of almost any instrument with ease just by listening. Even enjoyed an occasional spot light singing on the radio in her early years. Gerry loved a good laugh and a good cry. She loved Jesus Christ and expressed that love through her voice and composed many songs. Gerry also enjoyed handicrafts, knitting and crocheting and made many gifts for family and friends. She was a cancer survivor of 52 years.
Gerry is survived by a daughter Tina Clarke (Maureen) of Richmond, BC and will be greatly missed by her son, Timmy Clarke, Saint John and daughter, Tarita Aziz (Lenzi), Mississauga, ON and grandchildren, Tyler Clarke, Joshua, Benjamin, Naomi and Sarah Aziz and great grandson Konner. She is also survived by her sister Loretta Hopkins, Portland, OR, Brothers, Les Ryder (Rachel), Moncton, Loyl Ryder (Pauleen), Salisbury, Leighton Ryder (Dolly), Calgary, AB, Sister-in-law, Myrtle Ryder, Moncton and many nieces and nephews. Gerry is predeceased by her brothers Leroy, Larry, Lorne and sisters Lynda and Lulia.
Resting at Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Salisbury Road (372-4800) visiting will be Thursday, September 3 from 7 - 9 pm. The funeral will be held at the New Canaan Baptist Church Friday, September 4 at 11 am with Pastor Dave MacPherson officiating. Interment at New Canaan Cemetery.
If desired, donations to the New Canaan Baptist Church or Friends of the Moncton Hospital would be appreciated by the family.
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