Mary Clare Clark passed away surrounded by love on July 29, 2026.

Mary had clear direction no matter the subject. For her grandchildren, there were no bounds to what she would do to care for them. For her children, she led quietly with a few exceptions. For her partner in crime and husband of 49 years, she was steadfast in her devotion. For her friends, family and strangers alike, she approached all with love and often curiosity that led to the understanding that she cared for you. For her clients, her advocacy encountered no obstruction. And for her pickleball game, there was no match.

Born April 11, 1955, to Michael and Helen Clare, she was the second born and oldest daughter. Sister and mother hen to six siblings. Mary grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, followed by Marion College, where she met Tony and they soon started their life together. After a few moves around the midwest, Mary and Tony settled in Perrysburg. In 1989, while raising three kids, Mary went back to school to follow in her father’s footsteps and pursue a law degree. What followed was a career that rivaled that of Mother Theresa. Mary worked for decades advocating for juveniles within the court system, giving them a voice and a path to a more stable and safe life.

Life was full from an early age for Mary. In her early years she traveled in Europe, spent a summer working in New Mexico and countless hours teaching tennis. Whether she was close by or farther away, Mary always held a direct line to her siblings and would even make trips back home to Louisville just to cut her brother’s hair.

Mary and Tony built a rich life together. They traveled the world, enjoyed experiences big and small. From quiet nights on the front porch to Wimbledon, John Prine concerts and working in the backyard together. Building their own family together brought one of their greatest gifts in life, their five grandchildren. Mary, or Nana, lived for her grandchildren. Special cards in the mail that included the last few weeks of the comics from the paper, personalized scavenger hunts while on vacation, handmade Christmas stockings–each grandchild received the full force of Nana in their lives in a special and individual way. She was a gift to each grandchild.

Mary is preceded in death by her mother, Helen French Clare; her father, Michael J. Clare, and her first born, Helen Clark. She is survived by her love and husband, Tony Clark; her children, Zack (Jessica), Adam (Megan) and Lauren (Steven); her grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, Hayden, Parker and Cooper, and her siblings, Michael (Judy), Teresa (Ted), Greg (Susan), Cindy (Valerie), Brian (Sharon) and Stephen (Belinda).

We can all take a page from Mary’s book. Use your talents and make an impact. Dig deep for strength when times are hard. Each day is a new day. Fill your life with what and who is important to you. And when in doubt, play pickleball.

At Mary’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 1 p.m., at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club in Perrysburg. Casual attire is requested, please no black. The pickleball courts will be ready for us all to play a game in honor of Mary.