(1926-2023)

Associate Madeline Clark was born on January 18, 1926, in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Madeline (Neigle) Beyer and the youngest sister of Charles Beyer, Rosalie Alden and Constance McDougall.

Madeline attended East Hampton High School in Connecticut and graduated in 1944. While raising her three sons in the early 1960’s, Madeline served as a parish secretary for more than 15 years. She was a member of the parish education commission and a CCD teacher who worked with junior high students preparing them for Confirmation. She was also an active member of the National Council of Catholic Women for more than ten years.

In 1977, Madeline and her family moved from Connecticut to Adrian, Michigan and she became the Residential Life Assistant Director at Siena Heights College. While working, she attended Siena Heights College and graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1982 and continued to take courses in religious studies. Madeline took a job as a Psychiatric Technician at Herrick Stress Center in Tecumseh, Michigan and eventually became the Director of Mental Health Services.

Madeline became interested in Associate Life with the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1981. She was mentored by Sister Mary Carmelia O’Connor, OP, and supported by Sister Jean Cecile Hunt, OP, and Sister Mary Phillip Ryan, OP.

Madeline had a keen interest and passion for social justice. She was also faithful to a strong call to serve others. When asked why she wanted to become an Associate with the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Madeline was quoted as saying, “I want to deepen my faith, strengthen my prayer life, and be involved with those who are working for peace and justice. I want to grow as a minister.”

In addition to Madeline’s three sons, William, Thomas, and James, she had five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral liturgy was celebrated for Madeline on February 21, 2023, at St. Patrick Church in East Hampton, Connecticut, followed by a burial in St. Patrick Cemetery.

Madeline Clark cherished the opportunity to work, pray and gather with the Adrian Dominican Community. She was engaged in letter writing campaigns for social and political action issues and she assisted at various Great Lakes Dominican Chapter Assemblies. Her long and faithful commitment to living the Dominican Charism is an example to all who knew and loved her. May her memory be a blessing!