NEW BEDFORD — Grace M. Clarkin, aged 85 years, died July 20, 2009, at Hathaway Manor Extended Care Facility in New Bedford, MA. She was the widow of the late Laurence H. Clarkin.
Mrs. Clarkin was born in Springfield, MA and was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School. She was employed as a bookkeeper and auditor for several retail stores, retiring in 1985. Except for brief periods of residence in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, Mrs. Clarkin lived most of her life in the Springfield area.
She especially enjoyed traveling, playing golf, sunny days at the beach, and spending time with her family and many friends.
Mrs. Clarkin is survived by her son, Bruce D. Clarkin and his wife, Katherine Paige, of Jamaica, VT; her daughter, Laura A. (Clarkin) Ainsley and her husband, Kenneth Ainsley of Fairhaven, MA; four grandchildren, Benjamin Clarkin, Joshua Clarkin, Katelyn L. (Ainsley) Moreira and Brienne T. (Ainsley) Rouse; three step grandchildren, Peter Paige, Douglas Paige and Jessica (Paige) Hunt; and ten great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Parker; and sister, Alice (Parker) Sharpe.
A memorial service will be held at a later time.
Remembrances may be made in her name to the Activities Fund of Hathaway Manor ECF, 863 Hathaway Rd., New Bedford, MA 02740.
Arrangements with the Wilson Chapel, 419 County St., New Bedford, MA.