Callie Anne Clark, nee Coughlin, 91, of Burr Ridge, formerly of Hinsdale, died at home peacefully May 10, 2024, with her family nearby.
Callie Anne grew up in Big Stone Gap, Va., during the area's boom time. As a child, she developed a passion for music, learning to play the clarinet and the piano. She was active in marching band, choir and several school clubs. As a teen, Callie Anne loved to test drive any new Harley Davidson motorcycle that arrived at her parents' Jeep and Harley Davidson dealership, one of the first in the country.
Callie Anne graduated magna cum laude from Wake Forest University with a bachelor's in music and history. She was involved with the marching band, student government and the school paper, to name just a few. She was a member of the Mortar Board Society and Phi Beta Kappa. She continued to support Wake Forest throughout her life as a long-standing member of the Board of Visitors, the Alumni Council and the Founder's Circle.
It is impossible to talk of Callie Anne's life without including her soulmate, "H" Clark. They met when she was 9 years old, and he was 10. She was quick to point out with a twinkle in her eye that he was an "older man." Married for almost 69 years, their love story actually flourished for 82 years. They told each other "I love you" often while holding hands.
"H" was always the first to give credit to Callie Anne for his successful business career. She was his "secret weapon," always supporting any requests to move the family to another location (there were 13 moves in nine states). Callie Anne traveled extensively with "H." Together they visited more than 63 countries around the world. With her warm smile and easy laugh, she fit into any country and culture.
After "H"'s retirement from Nalco Chemical Co., they purchased a cattle ranch in Big Timber, Mont. Callie Anne traded in her high heels for her cowboy boots to become the Ranch Wife Extraordinaire, entertaining dignitaries, friends and especially family.
Callie Anne participated, over the years, in many Chicago-area civic organizations, including The Field Museum Women's Board, Brookfield Zoo Women's Board, The Service Club of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry President's Council, Children's Home and Aid Society, Garden Club of Hinsdale, Hinsdale Historical Society and American Association of University Women. A strong advocate for education, Callie Anne and "H" established scholarships at Wake Forest University, North Carolina State University and Mountain Empire Community College.
Callie Anne's love for her family was undeniable. No matter where she was or how busy life became, Callie Anne always put her family first.
She was preceded in death by her brother, L.C. Coughlin.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, W. H. Clark Jr .; her daughters, Caryl Lynne (Brian) Smith and Cindy Anne (Kurt) Mancillas; her grandchildren, Kelsey Lynne Smith, Kendall Anne Mancillas and Dylan Clark Mancillas; and several nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held, with a celebration of life planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Disease Center Research Fund at RUSH, Office of Philanthropy, Rush University Medical Center, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or online at http://www.rushgiving.com/remembercallieanneclark.
