Sister Helen Marie Clark, RSM, died peacefully on March 30, 2024, in the Baggot Street Community at Saint Mary Home, West Hartford, CT. She was born on April 4, 1930, in Stamford, CT, to Howard and Helen (McCabe) Clark. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, Stamford, Sister Helen Marie entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 24, 1948, and professed final vows on June 28, 1954.

Sister Helen Marie received a B.A. and M.A. with concentrations in Elementary Education from the University of Saint Joseph. In addition, she participated in Archdiocesan workshops and programs addressing pastoral ministry within the parish structure.

From 1950 to 1986, Sister Helen Marie taught in elementary schools throughout Connecticut. As an educator she encouraged students to maximize their potential while developing lifetime skills essential for teamwork and leadership. While serving as principal at Holy Trinity School, Wallingford and Saint Mary School, Derby, she created a welcoming culture which recognized the diverse talents and contributions of students, faculty and staff.

In 1986, Sister Helen Marie became a member of the pastoral team at St. Francis Parish, Torrington which later became the Torrington Cluster of Roman Catholic parishes. Revered by parishioners and team members, she was recognized for her tireless service and compassionate outreach to elderly and homebound people. Involved in community service, she could be found helping at local soup kitchens, bringing joy and hope into the lives of many and as a Hospice volunteer supporting the sick and their families.

As her health and eyesight began to diminish, she moved to Saint Mary Home where she first lived at the Frances Warde Towers and then the Baggot Street Community. In these residences, she was a calm and prayerful presence, sharing her love of music, and greeting others while recalling anecdotes from her ministries. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the Saint Mary Home staff for their kind and compassionate care of our Sister Helen Marie.

Predeceased by her parents, her cousins: Elaine Konitshek and Sherry Lowman, her close friend Sister Eleanor Rathburn RSM, Sister Helen Marie is survived by her cousins: Ronald (Maria) and Robert Konitshek, and Heather Orawsky (Michael Jr.) and their families, her close friend Sister Ellen Flynn RSM, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Sister Helen Marie’s Wake will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Home Chapel, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. and burial service will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery at 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford. To view a live stream of the Funeral Mass, please visit Sr. Helen Marie Clark’s webpage at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com or click here.

You are asked to consider donations in her memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott Street, 1st floor, West Hartford, CT 06110.