Mary Eleanor (Paige) Clark, 96, of Elkader, passed away on Monday, February 28, 2022, at her home in Highland Township.
Mary was born on August 1, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, to William and Josephine (Boland) Paige. She attended Highland #1 until 8th grade and graduated from West Union High School in 1944. She attended Iowa State University for one semester before returning home to care for her mother who returned from Oakdale because of TB. That summer she went to Upper Iowa University in Fayette, and then she taught at Highland #1. The next summer she went back to Upper Iowa University and then taught 1st grade in Thornton, that summer she returned to UIU and then taught second grade in Tripoli.
She married Donald Clark on June 27, 1949. She was an actively involved partner in the running of the daily operation of the Paige farm. Left to celebrate Mary’s life are her five children, Barbara Bunnell of Glidden, Dennis (Rose), Rosemary (Robert) Bossard, Gregory (Sue), and Ann (Dave) Gibney of Elkader, 11 grandchildren, Shannon (Jim), Adam (Lisa) Bunnell, Karen (Jason) Ackerman, Ryan (Jessica) Bunnell; Andrew (Carla) Clark, Amber (Cody) Wedeking, Austen (Katie) Clark; MaryAnn, Janelle, Renee, and Aaron Gibney and 18 great- grandchildren Ellie, Laura, Samuel, Tessa, Miles, Simon, Stella, Nolan, Sara, Corbyn, Ayce, Bodey, Devryck, Emytt, Gavin, Briggs, Gwen, Vayda, and one on the way; sisters Jeanette Delozier of Iowa City, and Sister Mary Deborah of Dubuque.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald (1992), son-in-law Wesley Bunnell, and brother-in-law Ralph Delozier.
Mary was active in her faith as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was a member of the St. Joseph Guild before it became Parish Life and the St. Joseph Crafters where she had no problem giving them advice on the pricing of their crafts.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1981. It was always a treat to be able to go with her to play Bingo at the Legion and help serve food at the intermission. Memorial Day services were another family tradition
She enjoyed her time with ladies in The Birthday Bunch, Hi-Way 56 Stitchers, and Questers. Many friendships have been formed throughout the years.
She was an avid quilter, reader, gardener-flowers and vegetable. She enjoyed making apple dumplings, jam and bread making-especially her cinnamon rolls. Her key to a long and happy life was coffee, chocolate, real cream, butter, bacon, and pie. Some of her favorite pastimes were going out to eat, touring the countryside, gator rides around the farm, and having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren come to the farm.
Special thanks to all the staff at Medical Associates, MercyOne Hospital, and Gunderson Palmer Hospice that have helped her during her lifetime. Memorials may be directed to the Elkader Public Library and the Clayton County Food Shelf.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Father John Haugen and Father John Moser Con-Celebrating.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Elkader followed by a Scripture Vigil Service. Friends may also call an hour before the service on Friday.
Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.