(Sept. 30, 2006) -- Family, friends and current and former LB officials gathered at Los Altos United Methodist Church on Sept. 30 for a touching celebration of the life of Lois Clark, wife of long-time LB Councilman/Mayor and current LB Community College Trustee Dr. Thomas Clark.
Mrs. Clark passed away on Sept. 18, succumbing to a heart attack after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. As reported on LBReport.com's front page, the City Council adjourned its Sept. 19 meeting in her honor.
We spotted/learned of a number of current and former LB officials at the service including Mayor Bob Foster, Vice Mayor/Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal, retired Mayor/Councilman Ernie Kell, retired Vice Mayor/Councilwoman Jackie Kell, retied Vice Mayor/Councilman, now LBCC Trustee Jeff Kellogg, Harbor Commission president/retired LB City Manager Jim Hankla, State Senator Alan Lowenthal [not a complete list; omissions unintended]
Mrs. Clark earned a degree in Library Science from UCLA and for many years worked in the library at LB Community Hospital (now Community Hospital of LB). She was active in civic affairs from PTA to public library support groups.
Despite her multiple connections to civic power, today's service focused on friends and family...who offered poignant, personal remembrances.
Betty Reynolds, a Los Altos neighbor of the Clarks for over half a century, recalled Mrs. Clark taking daily walks to preserve her strength, first with a cane, then with a walker, then with a wheelchair...and never complaining. Another childhood friend, who attested to knowing Lois for roughly 70 years, recalled their days growing up in the southbay...and taking horseback rides to the surf at Redondo Beach.
Son Paul Clark gave a warm remembrance, thanking his mother and father...and saying Mom Lois encouraged choices while reminding her children of the need to take responsibility for their choices. Son Jim also thanked family and friends for attending.
Friends and family spoke of Lois Clark's unflagging courage in battling her relentless illness...and said her two grandchildren lit up her life.
