ELLSWORTH – Blanche E. Clark was called home March 6, 2006, surrounded by her family. Blanche was born Jan. 12, 1928, in Cherryfield, the daughter of Mona and Preston Schoppe. Nothing is harder than the loss of someone we love; perhaps their greater purpose is to love us from above. She is survived by her loving husband and soul mate of 60 years, Kenneth N. Clark. Blanche and Ken’s love story started when Kenneth was serving his country in Germany. He was corresponding with his dad through the local paper and Blanche thought he sounded pretty nice and decided to write him back. When he returned to Ellsworth they met, married and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary April 19, 2006. Blanche was a member of the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth and a member of Irene Chapter 97/Eastern Star. Her favorite hobby was knitting mittens, sweaters, socks, blankets and hats for her family. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren adorned her homemade knitted outfits upon leaving the hospital after their birth. Her knitting won many first prize ribbons at the Blue Hill Fair. She kept a good supply of baby sweaters and blankets to give as gifts. Blanche and Kenneth owned a camp on Pattens Pond in Surry for 43 years. Their cottage was a gathering place for many cookouts, family outings, fishing trips, boating excursions and parties with friends. Blanche served as crossing guard for the city of Ellsworth for a number of years on Bridge Hill helping many students and children cross the road safely. For Blanche, family was the most important part of her life. Blanche offered each and every family member unconditional love and support. She would always make sure she called you each day and told you to “Be careful” and to “Drive safely.” Surviving her including her husband of 60 years, is her daughter, Beverly Long of Surry; grandchildren, Alison Cote and her husband, Scott, of Otis, Cristin Gardner and her husband, Troy, of Ellsworth, who is currently serving his country in Iraq, Kathryn Long of Biddeford and Kimberly Fitch of Ellsworth. She leaves five great-grandchildren whom she adored, Seth, Hunter and Shelby Cote, Silas Davies and Ashton Gardner; son-in-law, Allen Fitch of Ellsworth; sisters, Flora Dow and Annie Santerre of Cherryfield; nieces and nephews; and a very special neighbor, Belinda Harris who always watched over her. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Bud Schoppe; daughter, Patricia Fitch; and an infant daughter taken from her at birth. A very special thank you to the nurses on the 5th floor at Eastern Maine Medical Center in the intensive care unit, as well as the staff at Courtland Rehab & Living Center in Ellsworth. Their caring and support were very much appreciated during her final journey. Our hearts will ache for you but we know you are finally at peace and we know you will be knitting for someone. Your family will remember your final words, “Let’s go, go, go,” now you are gone and finally at peace. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, with Pastor Gerry Dill, officiating. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Blanche’s memory to Courtland Rehab Center & Living Center, care of The Activity Fund, 42 Bucksport Rd., Ellsworth, ME 04605.
BLANCHE E. CLARK
