Paid Notice: Carole L. Clark, a beloved teacher, passionate lifelong learner, and nature enthusiast, died on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at home, surrounded by her husband James and her two daughters, after a 7-year battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia. She was 86 years old.
Born in Mineola to the Reverend Theodore Luidens and Mary (Weaver) Luidens, Carole spent her youth in Brooklyn and then Selkirk, where she attended Ravena High School. She graduated valedictorian and went on to study at Hope College before transferring to the University at Buffalo, where she studied education and met the love of her life, Jim Clark.
After marrying and graduating, Carole settled with her family in East Hampton and began her teaching career at Shelter Island High School.
Though she started as a Home Economics teacher, her vision and determination transformed the curriculum. She pioneered the introduction of courses in child and general psychology, and later philosophy, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students. A skilled negotiator and thoughtful leader, Carole was both a role model and a guiding light in her school community. After 30 years of teaching, she retired in 1994.
Even in retirement, Carole’s passion for learning and creativity never dimmed. She took life drawing classes with artist Linda Capello, collaborating with her on a book project that brought her deep fulfillment and joy.
Carole was musically gifted, a soprano who sang in choir and was described as the best harmonizer. She was also an accomplished pianist, continuing to play even after losing the use of her right hand in her 30s.
Carole had a lifelong passion for horses and began riding at an early age. She loved canoeing and kayaking in Georgica Pond and Little Fresh Pond with her husband, always finding peace in the water. She was also an avid swimmer and could be found in the early mornings swimming at Sammy’s Beach or in the ocean—often through November—with her dear friend Eleanor Whitmore.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James; two loving daughters, Tracy Clark Cherry and Marilyn Clark; and her sons-in-law, Mike Cherry and Jaime Lopez. She was a proud grandmother to Raquel Lopez, Alexandra Lopez-Barnes, Cameron Cherry, and Ben Cherry. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Timmer and was preceded in death by her sister Phyllis Reed.
