Sister Mary Clare Clark

Sister Mary Ellen Clare Clark, 76, of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully Monday, July 21, 2024 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2024 at Basilica of St. John in Des Moines. A visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary starting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sister Mary Clare's name for a scholarship to St. Anthony Catholic School.

Sister Clare was the first of eight children of Robert and Mary Wilson, born Mary Ellen Wilson on February 22, 1948, in Rock Island, Illinois.  She attended Catholic grade school, and graduated from The Academy of Our Lady in Peoria, Illinois.  After high school, she spent the next several years living and working in Rock Island, Peoria, Mansfield, Ohio, and the Houston area, remaining active in the parishes where she lived. She professed her first vows July 15, 1982 and final vows on March 17, 1984 to the Sister of Christian Community. On November 22, 1994  Sister Clare and Mother Kathleen O’Leary founded the Fransician Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. On July 15, 2024 Sister Clare celebrated her 42nd anniversary to the sisterhood.

She is predeceased by her parents, Robert Wilson and Mary Wilson, and by her brother, Charles Wilson, and Mother Kathleen O’Leary.  She is survived by her beloved dog, Mr. Bear, four sisters Susan Mullendore;  Ann Kleinfeldt (Tom);  Jennifer Wilson-Binotti (John);  Elizabeth Hogrebe (Anthony); two brothers Terrence Wilson (Amy),  Timothy Wilson (Michelle); special friend and caregiver, Stephanie Howard, many nieces, nephews and other beloved family members.