Mary was born of English Christian parents, George Matthew and Louisa Edith Brook. Born at Lithgow NSW on 1/12/1921, a sister to Joan, George, Doris, and John. During Mary’s early years the family moved to St John’s Park. There Mary attended the local primary school and was introduced to Sunday School.
The family moved to Lidcombe at the time Mary was to commence her secondary education. She gained her leaving certificate at Parramatta High and obtained a clerical position with a company called White Signet in Sydney. Mary was attending St Stephen’s Anglican Sunday School and joined Christian Endeavour. She went on to be confirmed and became a Sunday School teacher. Mary met a young Christian carpenter whose name was William Arthur Clark, better known as Bill. He also lived at Lidcombe. They were married on the 8th June 1942 at St Stephen’s Lidcombe by the Reverend O J Dent. Soon after they were married, Bill enlisted in the Army where he served in New Guinea, Western Australia, and Malaya.
At the end of Bill’s war service and with the assistance of his father, Bill built the first and only family home at Harry Avenue, Lidcombe. Mary’s first child, John was stillborn. It was an event that really traumatised Mary. Thankfully Mary went on to have 4 children – Jeanette, Phillip, Gregory, and Brian. Being raised in a Christian home, we all attended Sunday School, Christian Endeavour, were confirmed in the Anglican church and attended GFS and CEBS. Mary joined the Mothers’ Union around 1946 and was an active member, taking the roles of secretary, treasurer, and president. She was also a member of the Girls Missionary Band which handmade patchwork quilts for the children in South Africa. Mary and Bill were members of the Parish Council and were the instigators of the purchase and setting up of a branch church at North Lidcombe which was called St George’s Anglican branch church. Bill became a Lay Reader and Mary assisted with the Sunday School. She remained a member of St Stephen’s until 1984.
Following her husband’s death in October of 1984, Mary moved to live with her daughter Jeanette at Camden. There she joined St John’s Anglican Church and Mothers’ Union again where she was an active member and a treasurer, secretary, and president. She used her talents of sewing, cooking, and art to assist the church in their fund raising and activities of the church. Mary maintained her membership until her death on 7th February 2010.
In 1991 Mary decided to move into a self-care Unit at Carrington Village at Camden. She was very happy and contented there, surrounded by wonderful friends and caring neighbours. She joined the Bible Study group and visited people who were living in the nursing home and hostel.
About 6 years ago Mary’s health started to decline but she was determined to stay in her unit. With the assistance of friends, she was able to attend church at St John’s until they commenced a weekly service at Paling Court. This made life a lot easier for her. Sadly in June of last year Mary had to move from her unit into Mary McKillop Hostel but she still managed to attend church and Bible Study but her health was failing and on the 7th February she had a fatal stroke.
Mary was well prepared to leave this earth for a better place and where she would be with the Lord and Bill. We farewelled Mary with a celebration of her life at Paling Court. It was a beautiful service. Mary is survived by her siblings – Doris and John, her 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Mary is happy and at peace.
