Obituary of Dorothy C. Clark

On February 5, 2012, Dorothy C. Clark passed away following a lengthy illness, she was formerly of South Barry Street, Olean. On June 28, 1919, Dorothy was born at the Mountain Clinic in Olean, the second of four daughters to Charles F. and Emma C. Johnson of South Barry Street, where she continued to reside for more than 85 years. She was preceded in death by her little sister Shirley, infant son Guy Roy, parents, loving husband William R. Clark, and sister Arline (Johnson) Macklin. Surviving are her only daughter Ilona L. (Thomas A.) Bolig of Sonoma, CA and sister Phyllis (Johnson) Naslund of Orchard Park, four nieces and two nephews and several greats of each. Dorothy graduated from Olean High School in 1937. Having already fallen in love with Bill Clark, they married on October 29, 1939, in Bradford, PA. That year she became a member of the First Baptist Church of which Bill was already a member. During her early years in marriage she worked as a beautician's assistant, then specialized as a housewife and mother. She excelled at both. She enjoyed tennis, bowling, gardening, cooking, baking, and sewing. She was a member of both the Order of the Eastern Star and Olean Court #19 Order of Amaranth. The 1950's found her as a leader for the Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls. She was employed at Fanny Farmer candy store and held several positions at the Cattaraugus County Social Services Office, where she made many friends. Dorothy and Bill discovered western square dancing in the early 1960's. From that point on dancing remained one of Dorothy's greatest pleasures. They belonged to just about every square or round dance club in the area, including the Enchanted Mountaineers, Reel Squares, Swinging Squares, and Cattaraugus Cut-A-Rugs. They even danced in New York City at the World's Fair in June of 1964. They assisted with dance lessons for beginners and held many offices in these clubs for many years. After Bill's death, Dorothy continued dancing at the Olean Senior League. Recently, she was recognized for twenty years of service with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Dorothy contributed much in her life to many people, and she will be greatly missed by those who loved her. Visitation will be at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, #646 E. State Street, Olean on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at which time Funeral and Committal Services will be held. The Rev. Daniel E. McDowell, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Allegany Cemetery, Allegany. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice or to the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the above button.