Jean Mary Clark

Jean M. Clark (née Murphy)

November 20, 1956 - July 22, 2024

Jeanie Clark (née Murphy) was born to eternal life on July 22, 2024, surrounded by loving family at her home in Raymond, WI, after an exceedingly brave eight year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Born on November 20, 1956, to Elsie and Timothy Murphy, Jeanie grew up in a loving home with her siblings Dennis, Judy, and Kevin in a neighborhood filled with joy and laughter. She attended St. Adalbert’s Catholic School in South Milwaukee, and was a proud graduate of the South Milwaukee High School Class of 1974. In 1978, she married her lifelong partner in love and adventure Greg (Archie) Clark, and became a treasured member of the extended Clark family. She and Greg welcomed beloved daughter Jessica later that year, where Jeanie began her masterclass on how to be the World’s Best Mom. Loyal as they come, Jeanie spent a 40+ year career at Yamaha Motor Corporation, building enduring friendships and embodying a work ethic second to none. In 2005, she and Greg welcomed son-in-law Drew into their family, and moved from their hometown in South Milwaukee to their dream home in the country in Raymond, where they have lovingly attended to their gardens and pets. In perhaps her favorite role of all, Jeanie delighted in being a devoted and playful Grandma to Nathan, Maddie, and Izzy, building indelible bonds of affection, laughter, and mutual adoration.

With a smile on her lips and a camera usually in her hand, Jeanie was love personified. She had an uncanny ability to form deep connections with the people in her life; to listen, empathize, and to help others feel seen; to accept and embrace life’s challenges; to laugh and find joy in everyday life; and to love without condition. She exuded warmth, respect, and gratitude to everyone she met -- from lifelong friends and family, to her many co-workers over the years, to the health care professionals who supported her along her journey, to strangers on the street. She was the rarest of souls who cared profoundly about other people and put others before herself until her very last breath. She would - and did - do anything for anyone. Her relationships are at the core of her identity, and her passing leaves a hole in our hearts and our lives that can never be filled. At the same time, Jeanie remains a beacon for how to live a life filled with meaning and purpose, gratitude and grace. Her legacy endures in the many lives she’s touched, in her grandchildren’s smiles, and in all of those who carry her spirit forever in their hearts.

Jeanie is survived by her husband Greg; her daughter Jessica (Drew) Justman; her grandchildren Nathan, Maddie, and Izzy Justman; her sister Judy (Jeff) Milton and niece Chelsea Milton; brother Kevin Murphy; members of the extended Clark family; Minnesota Avenue sisters-at-heart Jenny, Kim, and Nancy; and so many friends who became like family. She was preceded in death by her parents Elsie and Timothy Murphy, brother Dennis Murphy, and nephew Josh Milton. A memorial will be held in celebration and remembrance of Jeanie on August 24, 2024, at the Max A. Sass and Sons Funeral Home at 1324 Manitoba Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am, followed by a memorial prayer service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Healing NET Foundation, which seeks to build awareness for the detection and effective treatment of neuroendocrine cancer; Santas Without Chimneys, which provides holiday gifts to children and teens experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity; or any charity that supports children, families, or cancer awareness.

Forever in our hearts, we aspire to live by Jeanie’s example until we are reunited again.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.