Obituary: Marlene Kay Clark

With a Centralmaine.com subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

NORRIDGEWOCK - Marlene Kay Clark, born June 4, 1939, passed away quietly at the age of 86 on Feb. 19, 2026. Her children Joe, Janey, Jill, and Chris, were with her at the end.

Marlene was the youngest daughter of Paul and Mary Susi, and was born and raised in Pittsfield. She was a first generation Italian-American; her parents having emigrated from Italy in the early part of the last century, and settling down in Central Maine. Her family made their living working heavy construction as owners and operators of Susi Construction until the 1970s.

Her childhood was enriched by a large Italian family, spending her days with two older brothers, two older sisters, and many cousins. Marlene was a graduate of Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield and attended the University of Maine in Farmington in 1958. A teaching degree was not in the cards for her when as the result of a blind date, she would meet Lester Clark during her freshman year; the man she would spend the next 43 years with. They were married in 1959 and built the home in Norridgewock that they would both spend the rest of their lives in. Lester worked long hours establishing his own heating oil business, while Marlene took care of the clerical and accounting side of the business. Marlene and Lester soon added to their busy lives by having their five children. Joe and Janey were born in 1960, Jill in 1961, Susan in 1963, and Chris in 1966.

The 1960s gave way to the 1970s. Marlene and Lester's time and attention were taken up with raising their children and the demands of being small business owners during the oil embargo and turbulent economy of that decade. The early 1980s saw a shift in Marlene and Lester's focus. They had achieved some financial comfort and security, their children were now adults, and they were ready for a new challenge. They purchased the convenience store that would become Oosoola Country Store and found their true calling. Marlene loved being a store owner and cheerfully took part in all aspects of the operation. She kept it running after Lester passed away and reluctantly sold it when she retired in 2016.

Marlene spent her later years enjoying being not only a grandmother, but also a great-grandmother. She was an avid reader and was part of a book club, where she found a close circle of friends. Marlene enjoyed weekly outings with them.

Marlene did not leave an "unfinished life"; she lived richly and fully, and was loved by all who knew her. She was a life-long member of the Catholic Church and took great comfort in her faith.

She suffered the loss of her husband, Lester in 2002; and the tragic death of her daughter, Susan in 2012.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her son, Joe and his wife Lisa, daughter, Janey and her husband Jeff McGown, daughter, Jill and her husband Chris Alves, son-in-law, Glenn Daukas, son, Chris; granddaughter, Amanda, granddaughter, Lauren and her husband Caleb Button, grandsons Christopher and Nick Alves, grandsons Louis and Rigel Daukas; and great-granddaughter, Miriam Button.

Marlene died peacefully at home due to complications from Colon cancer. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Hospice nurses and private caregivers that treated Marlene with so much compassion and dignity.

A mass for Marlene will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at the St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Madison with a reception to follow at the Madison VFW hall.

In lieu of flowers, those that wish to do so are encouraged to make a donation to the Somerset Animal Shelter.