Sister Anne Lawrence Clark, CSJ

Sister Anne Lawrence Clark, CSJ, 94, died Monday, December 7, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 76 years.

Baptized Eileen Marie Clark, Sister Anne was born in Syracuse, NY, on February 23, 1926, daughter of the late Raymond and Margaret Snyder Clark. As a young child, Sister Anne moved to Binghamton with her family where they attended St.John the Evangelist Church.

Sister Anne graduated from Binghamton Central High School, entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1944 and professed final vows on August 15, 1949. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in elementary education and both from The College of Saint Rose, and a doctorate in special education administration from Michigan State University.

For the first 20 years as a Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Anne taught in schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses. After completing her Ph.D., Sister Anne began a 21-year career at The College of Saint Rose where she served as instructor, director of special education, associate dean for graduate programs, dean of graduate studies and vice president of academic affairs/provost. When she moved to St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham in 1997, Sister Anne served for the next 16 years as provincial archivist and then as consultant to the archives.

Sister Anne was a forthright woman who had the courage to speak the truth and the strength to stand up for what she believed, but she did so with empathy and understanding. In all her relationships and ministries, Sister Anne was prayerful, honest and direct but with a special dose of kindness for anyone in need.

Sister Anne’s work ethic, marked by vision, focus, initiative and accountability, served her well in every ministry she undertook. As a teacher, she was knowledgeable, patient and compassionate. As an administrator, she was blessed with strong organizational skills and the ability to empower others to accomplish their own responsibilities in a manner which enhanced both individual and collective growth.

Among Sister Anne’s loves were her family, the Sisters of St. Joseph and The College of Saint Rose, and all three were close to her heart, often in her conversation and always in her prayers. We will miss Sister Anne dearly, but she will always be an integral part of our cherished heritage.

Sister Anne is survived by her sister, Rita Finn-Pereira; her brother, Jerry Clark; by many nieces and nephews and their families; and by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Anne was predeceased by her brothers, Col. Ray Clark, Dr. Robert Clark, William Clark and John Clark; by her nephew, Robert Clark, Jr.; and by her dear friend, Sister Bernarda Jaques.

Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services for Sister Anne at this time. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date