With sadness we report the death on October 10 of Joan Martin, mother of the Rev. Sheelagh Clarke, Rector of St. Stephen's Church in Millburn.
In addition to Sheelagh, Joan is survived by her husband Ron, her daughter Erica, her son-in-law Michael Clarke and her granddaughter Jessica Clarke.
A Service of Thanksgiving for her life was held on October 18 at St. John the Evangelist in Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire, U.K.
The Rev. Clarke drew a vivid and touching portrait of her mother when she wrote to her parishioners:
"My mother's service will be one of Thanksgiving, for a life lived well. We will be singing her favourite hymns, including Lord of all Hopefulness and Love Divine, all loves excelling. Her chosen scriptures are both wedding scriptures, God is Love (1 John) and The Wedding at Cana which my mum loved as she was a very glass half full person and preferably brimming over. As a person of faith, she knew the best would be kept for last."
Condolences may be sent to: The Rev. Sheelagh Clarke, 119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered:
Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant Joan,
and grant her an entrance into the land of light and joy,
in the fellowship of your saints;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
